Both Walgett and Coonamble recorded another single case each of COVID-19 overnight, with a total of 37 new cases across the Western Local Health District. 

Orange remains the hottest spot for covid with 10 new cases, Mudgee 6, Bathurst 5, Cabonne shire 3, Blayney and Dubbo 3, Gulgong 2, and Parkes 1. 

While the Omicron variant has accelerated the spread of the virus, our state and national governments are standing firm on easing restrictions, increasing the reliance on individuals to take responsibility for keeping themselves and others safe. 

"It’s up to us to help limit the spread," a health spokesperson said. 

"Protect yourself and our local community by wearing a mask in indoor venues and when you can’t physically distance outdoors." 

However an exception has been made for health and aged care facilities where, as of Friday 17 December, temporary restrictions on visitors were reinstated across the state.  

Time to get tested? 

The Western NSW LHD are encouraging people with no symptoms to be tested, advising at you will NOT need to isolate if you or other household members have no symptoms or have not been a close contact of someone confirmed as having covid-19. 

However, it is not easy to know when you need to get tested. 

From Monday 15 November 2021, NSW Health are no longer providing lists of case locations that a COVID-19 positive person has attended.  

The health department says this is due to a number of reasons, including high vaccination rates in the community.  

The removal of QR code check-in requirements at many venues also has implications for contact tracing, making it more difficult to find out whether you may have been in a close or casual contact venue. 

Check in is still required at hair and beauty salons, hairdressing salons, tattoo and massage parlours, pubs, bars and registered clubs as well as hospitals, aged care facilities, and places of worship. 

The only events were check in remains a legal requirement are at funerals, memorial services and gatherings afterwards, as well as indoor music festivals with more than 1000 people attending. 

Vaccination and 'safe behaviours' our best defence

“Vaccination is the best protection we have against transmission and serious illness if transmission occurs, so we urge anyone who is eligible but hasn’t yet been vaccinated to take that step as a priority," a spokesperson from the Western LHD told the Western Plains App.  

"Make sure you return for your second dose, a third dose if required and your booster shot when you are eligible.  

“But we can all continue playing our role in stopping the spread by making many fundamental, COVID-safe behaviours part of our daily routines as well."

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

“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.” 

As of December 12 the percentage of the population aged 16 years and over who are fully vaccinated: 

• Bogan >95% 
• Bourke 91.2% 
• Coonamble >95%  
• Gilgandra >95% 
• Lachlan >95% 
• Narromine >95% 
• Warren >95% 
• Warrumbungle 92.8% 

At last report residents of Cobar, Brewarrina and Walgett were yet to hit the 90% fully vaccinated milestone.