By LAURA WILLIAMS

An unexpected and drastic drop in testing numbers across the region has seen the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) renew their call for communities across the Western Plains to get tested for any symptoms of COVID-19.

Authorities have expressed concern for the communities of Coonamble and Cobar, where no positive cases have been confirmed despite sewage samples identifying traces of the virus.

To counter this concern by identifying the cause of these traces, the WNSWLHDwants to see residents line up for testing as a matter of urgency. Currently, less than half of the testing target is being met across Western New South Wales.

Western NSW Health CEO Scott McLachlan has reinforced that any sign or symptom, no matter how mild, is reason to get tested as quickly as possible.

“We’re seeing record low testing numbers in some of these communities, but we know we’ve got confirmed cases who have been infection in the community. This is serious, it’s for you, it’s for all of us,” Mr McLachlan said.

Across NSW, 818 new locally acquired cases have been recorded, 698 of which are still under investigation, with positive cases today reaching 13, 022 during the current outbreak.

Up to 8pm on Sunday 22 August there were 24 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the Western NSW Local Health district, located in Dubbo (14), Goodooga (6), Mudgee (1), Gulargambone (1), Parkes (1), and Orange (1).

Following the increases in positive case numbers, restrictions around the state have increased, with masks being made mandatory both inside and outside, except when exercising.

The penalty for being without a mask is a $500 infringement notice.

Western NSW Police Commander Geoff McKechnie has warned that additional policing resources will be distributed in areas such as Bourke and Wilcannia, following a high level of non-compliance with 150 infringement notices issued in the past 24 hours across Western New South Wales.

“The time for warnings has passed,” says Commander McKechnie.

Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders says we must assume that the virus is in every community.

“There is too much movement around and between communities,” said Mr Saunders at his press conference today.

While members of the Gulargambone community have previously needed to travel to Coonamble to access testing facilities, the Gulargambone Multi-Purpose Service (hospital) is open today for testing in the area from 10am to 3pm.

It is not yet confirmed whether testing in these premises will continue, but residents are urged to call 6827 4200 to enquire further.

Local Government Areas in the Sydney region are being placed under even tougher restrictions until August 28 including night curfews, a daily limit of one hour of outdoor exercise, and further closures of retail premises.

So far, the restrictions are not being imposed on the NSW regions.

While NSW has reported high vaccination rates across the state, residents are being urged to continue to seek out the vaccine to protect the community.

“Keep booking GP’s, keep checking with your pharmacy, keep trying to get the vaccination that will work best for you,” said Mr Saunders.

“There’s a lot of AstraZeneca available brought through at all vaccination providers; it’s a high quality, effective and safe vaccine,” added Mr McLachlan.