A NEW case of COVID-19 has been discovered in the Western Plains community only a couple of days into reduced restrictions across the state.

The new case announced today (Thursday 16 December), which was identified in Trangie from the Narromine shire, is the first case reported in the Western Plains area this month outside the Warrumbungle shire which had its most recent case identified on Saturday 11 December.

Despite the new case a spokesperson from the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) said the risk of further spread over the next few days and weeks were inevitable.

“As restrictions continue to ease, we know movement will increase around the District and beyond, particularly as we approach the holiday season," the spokesperson said.

"As that movement increases, so too does the risk of COVID-19 spreading.”

According to the WNSWLHD, vaccination remains the best protection against catching the virus and against serious illness if transmission occurs and urged anyone eligible to consider getting their first and second shots a priority.

Anyone who had their second dose of vaccine five months ago is also being encouraged to seek a booster shot if they are eligible.

"(Vaccination) is particularly important given the prevalence of transmission in children not yet eligible for vaccination," the spokesperson said.

"The holidays are a time of year we all want to spend with loved ones, for many that includes grandparents or other people in vulnerable areas of our community, so it is incredibly important they have that protection."

Vaccination rates across the Western Plains continue to lead the pack, with data obtained from Sunday 12 December showing the 16 and over eligible population from the Bogan, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Lachlan, Narromine and Warren shires all above 95 per cent fully vaccinated.

Only slightly behind is Bourke with 91.2 per cent, Warrumbungle at 92.8 per cent. As of Sunday 5 December, Walgett had 87.8 per cent, Cobar had 78 per cent and Brewarrina had 78.8 per cent.

Despite this, the spokesperson said there are still plenty of other ways to stay COVID-safe, even in the light of recently reduced restrictions on mask wearing and checking-in at most indoor venues.

“Only do what you feel safe and comfortable to do, wash and sanitise your hands regularly and keep sanitiser handy," they said.

"Even as restrictions ease further, continue wearing your mask wherever required and elsewhere if that makes you feel more comfortable. Make sure you are checking in wherever that is still required too.

“If you feel unwell or anyone else in your household does, organise to get tested immediately. Get tested if you have any concerns at all and, if you are planning to travel, get the entire family tested before you do.”

Across the WNSWLHD, case numbers took a spike, recording 38 new cases up to 8pm last night, including the Trangie case.

Other cases were from Bathurst Regional LGA (12), Orange (12), Dubbo (four), Molong (four), Blayney shire (two), Mudgee (one), Forbes (one) and Oberon (one).

Testing clinics are available in all these locations and can be found here. Surveillance testing is available and encouraged for people exhibiting no symptoms.