The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has reported the death of another central-west resident linked to their COVID-19 infection as regional hospitalisations remain under 20.

The death was part of the WNSWLHD reporting gathered up to 4pm yesterday (Tuesday 15 February) and was among 27 COVID patients reported to have passed away across the state, a jump from the 16 deaths reported the day before.

Three people were in their 60s, two people were in their 70s, 10 people were in their 80s, 11 people were in their 90s and one person was in their 100s.

Eight people had received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, 13 people had received two doses, one person had received one dose, and five people were not vaccinated. 

According to NSW Health, three people who died were aged under 65. All were vaccinated and had significant underlying health conditions. Two of them had received two doses of vaccine, and one person had received three doses.

NSW Health has previously stated older age is a significant risk factor for serious illness and death for COVID-19, particularly when combined with significant underlying health conditions.

WNSWLHD expressed their sincere condolences to the loved ones of the person from the central west who passed away.

Despite the new death, hospitalisations in WNSWLHD have remained mostly stable in the past 24 hours, with 17 hospitalised and one in intensive care.

In addition, there were 117 positive PCR test results and 272 positive Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) results identified in WNSWLHD up to 4pm yesterday.

Note, there may be some cases where people have reported multiple positive RAT results and/or also had a positive PCR test during the same reporting period, resulting in duplicates.

WNSWLHD is no longer breaking down daily case numbers in individual LGAs, citing the fact it misrepresents the level of risk in these areas, however it is still releasing information about confirmed COVID-19 cases and PCR tests from the past 14 days.

According to this data, as of Tuesday 15 February, there have been 189 active cases reported in the past two weeks across the LGAs located in the Western Plains. Note, it is not specified whether or not these cases were in the area when their infection was reported or were infectious in the community.

This includes 26 in Walgett, 11 in Brewarrina, 13 in Bourke, four in Cobar, five in Bogan, 24 in Lachlan, 41 in Narromine, 12 in Warren, 21 in Gilgandra, 13 in Coonamble and 19 in Warrumbungle.