An addition to the state’s roadmap out of lockdown made overnight will allow residents of aged care facilities to reunite with their family, opening to visitors from October 11. 

Up to 8pm last night there were 24 new cases in the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD). Sixteen were located in Wellington, five in Cowra, two in Oberon and one in Walgett. 

At least five of those cases were infectious in the community and 13 remain under investigation, causing health officials to reiterate the importance of getting tested for any minor Covid-19 symptoms. 

Chief executive of WNSWLHD Scott McLachlan said that vaccinations continue to be the passport to future freedoms. 

“We’re a long way from that magical 80% of second doses,” said Mr McLachlan. 

New freedom announced for 70% double doses

Being fully vaccinated, like the majority of the freedoms granted on October 11, will be the ticket to visiting aged care facilities that are beginning to open to visitors. 

Aged care residents will be able to see visitors in groups of two, with visitors limited to those over 12 years of age. 

“We’ll definitely look to work out and decide plans for getting kids under the age of 12 into those environments as well,” said Mr McLachlan.  

Precautions for students returning to school

As school holidays wind up across the region, health officials are urging students aged 12-15 to get vaccinated before their return to schools. 

The coming long weekend will see a push for the vaccination of this age group across the state. 

Approaching the return to face to face schooling, officials are also urging parents to get their children covid-19 tested. 

“Please take those opportunities to make sure we can get kids back to school, safe and clear of Covid, and try and help us slow the spread in younger people across the region," Mr McLachlan said.

School students have made up a large proportion of the cases in the western local health district. 

Expect a spike tomorrow

Mr McLachlan described the WNSWLHD case numbers as a “rapidly evolving situation”, where another 24 cases were identified in the region in the 12 hours since 8pm last night. Those cases will be recorded in tomorrow’s numbers. 

“We expect to see further case numbers grow in the next 24 to 36 hours,” he said. 

Details on where covid-19 testing and vaccinations can be accessed can be found on the WNSWLHD website.