The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has reported a surge in cases following the statewide trend, with 501 new positive cases of Covid-19 recorded in the district in the 24 hours up to 8pm last night. 

The growth of over 300 cases in the 24 hour period includes 55 cases within Western Plains shires. 

Of those cases, two are in the Bogan Shire, four in Bourke, five in Brewarrina, two in Cobar, eight in Coonamble, eight in Gilgandra, two in the Lachlan, 19 in Narromine, four in Walgett, 15 in Warren, and 22 in the Warrumbungle Shire. 

Acting Chief Executive of the WNSWLHD Mark Spittal said that today marks the first day that all 22 LGAs in the health district have confirmed cases in a 24-hour period. 

“We know that the Omicron variant moves very quickly, and that while extremely good vaccination rates have slowed the spread, and prevented wide-spread serious illness, high rates of transmission are going to be around for a while,” Mr Spittal said.

Mr Spittal said that while hospitalisations were currently low, healthcare workers were under pressure.  

“It’s been an exhausting couple of years for your healthcare teams and we want as many as possible to have a break. We also have staff who are having to self-isolate, are unable to work because they’re caring for someone in isolation, or need to be at home for their kids.

Mr Spittal said the WNSWLHD will be adjusting its services over the coming week to prepare for a significant increase in emergency department activity and hospital admissions anticipated later in January. A decision on the planned commencement of non-urgent elective surgery is expected to be made shortly. 

“That is not a decision that any LHD takes lightly because it has a real impact on those people who need non-urgent surgery. We know that many people listed for non-urgent surgery have already faced delays as a result of the pandemic.

“Managing the balance between the demands of the pandemic and the needs of those who need care for other conditions is a challenge that no public hospital can avoid and we have to take a sensible approach to how we manage that.”

Mr Spittal said that urgent surgery would continue based on the clinical needs of patients.

To seek out testing and vaccination opportunities, visit the WNSWLHD site.