TODAY's media conference in Dubbo to provide the update on the region's COVID situation revealed 21 new cases in the Western Local Health District up to 8pm last night (Saturday 14 August).

All the new cases were in Dubbo, bringing the total to 63 with 59 of those in Dubbo and 4 in Walgett, however 2 new cases in Mudgee will be added to tomorrow's figures.

Messages for Aboriginal families

A key concern is that the majority of cases are in the Aboriginal community and around half the cases are in children, with 1 child admitted to hospital overnight.

"Through any crisis, normally our community and family response is to come together," Mr Cutmore said. "But right now we've got to do this differently and we encourage everybody to stay in their homes."

"Don't go down to auntie's or nan and pop's house. Keep in touch with the phone and if you're really worried, call us," he said.

"Don't let your children go out in the street to play with the other kids or go to other people's houses. The kids have got to stay at home."

Mr Cutmore outlined a range of supports that are in place for Aboriginal families including on-call Aboriginal mental health clinicians for anyone struggling at home and an Aboriginal mobile COVID testing unit available to travel to homes in Dubbo for anyone who can't reach the testing sites.

Other support services providing food, medical resources and other essential supplies are also being co-ordinated using a series of "runners" who are likely to be Aboriginal Health Workers to deliver resources to homes and reduce the need to leave home.

"We've got to protect our children as much as we've got to protect our elders," Mr Cutmore said.

"There is no need to leave home to go and help someone."

• CEO of Western LHD Scott McLachlan outlined key messages at today's media conference.

Western LHD CEO Scott McLachlan said that over 7500 tests were taken yesterday across the region with 4600 of those in Dubbo.

"We want to maintain these testing rates," Mr McLachlan said. "For those in communities across the west of the region, please come out and get tested wherever you are."

There are currently 36 venues of concern in the region, with 35 in Dubbo and one in Walgett.

Mr McLachlan explained that health staff across the region have stepped up safety precautions to a Code Red level using protective equipment and other procedures.

"I would ask visitors not to come to hospitals wherever possible," he said. "However we have people in palliative care situations and mums in labour and that is were we do want to have support people."

"Otherwise, stay at home and protect yourself, your family and your community."

"If you do need to go out please check in and keep a safe distance," Mr McLachlan said.

Holiday is over for caravanners

Police Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie asked people to abide by the simple rules to avoid attracting what is now a list of hefty fines starting at $3000 for a basic breach of Public Health Orders.

He also spoke about travellers in the region, giving clear instructions to those caravanning.

"If you are caravanning in this area your holiday is over," Asst. Commissioner McKechnie said. "You either stay put where you are and abide by the rules or you go home and abide by the rules there."

"If you are moving from location to location we will find you. If you are stuck by state border restrictions, stay where you are."