As cases across the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) continue to drop, the region has recorded its 13th death.

The latest casualty was an Aboriginal man in his 50s who was being cared for in the Wellington Health Service. He was fully-vaccinated but had significant underlying health conditions.

WNSWLHD Chief Executive Scott McLachlan said the man passed away shortly after arriving via ambulance and was a stark reminder that vaccinations need up to two weeks to be fully-effective.

"We believe he contracted COVID around nine days after receiving his second vaccination and therefore did not have full protection," Mr McLachlan said.

"It's a somber reminder that even while case numbers are low, this virus is still infecting people across the region."

Cases remain in single digits 

Up to 8pm last night, a total of seven new cases of COVID-19 were identified, taking the district's cumulative total to 1429 cases.

Of these, four were from the Western Plains area, with three in Bourke and one in Walgett.

However, Mr McLachlan said the Walgett case was currently being reviewed by a specialised public health team.

The remainder of the positive cases were in Wellington (one), and Dubbo (two).

According to WNSWLHD, five of these new cases - including at least two in Bourke - were infectious in the community while two were currently confirmed to be linked to previous cases.

Mr McLachlan said the community of Lightning Ridge had also, once again, seen a recent positive sewerage test for signs of the virus from a sample taken on Monday 5 October.

"There have been quite a few positive tests in Lightning Ridge in recent weeks, indicating there is a high likelihood of someone with COVID in the community," Mr McLachlan said.

"I'm urging everyone in the Ridge to please make it a priority to come forward and get tested. Remember if you don't have any symptoms and haven't been in contact with someone with symptoms or from a venue of concern, you won't have to isolate."

Further venues of concern, including ones in Bourke and Narromine have also been added to the growing list across the state. The full list can be found here.

Testing and vaccination numbers drop

Testing numbers once again dropped across the region in the past 24 hours, with 2240 tests.

Mr McLachlan said this number was still concerningly low and urged anyone displaying symptoms, even if they think they are only signs of hay fever, to not take the risk and come forward for a test.

Testing is currently available across the LHD in various multi-purpose health services. A list of pop-up testing locations and times in current areas of concern can be found here.

Mr McLachlan also reported the region had seen its lowest number of daily vaccinations at just over 300 across the region.

He said this was something the WNSWLHD was expecting to see more of in coming weeks and months because of the region's high vaccination rates, but there was still a long way to go before the region hit his target of a 90 per cent fully vaccinated population.

"We know there is still 30 per cent of the population who still need their second dose and 10 per cent who still haven't had their first," he said.

COVID-19 vaccinations are currently available across the LHD at WNSWLHD hubs, ADF assisted clinics and other healthcare providers, like GPs, pharmacies and Aboriginal Medical Services.

Information on vaccinations in the WNSWLHD, including current and future pop-up clinics, can be found here.

With the entire state due to come out of lockdown on Monday 11 October, Mr McLachlan said he was confident the LHD's ability to manage the likely jump in cases across the region.

At the same time, he said it was important for everyone to remember to continue to take all precautions, including mask wearing, regular hygiene, and social distancing where possible, while still coming forward for regular testing and making sure they and those close to them are fully-vaccinated.

Other information on COVID-19 across the region, including several handy links, can be found on our in-app COVID-19 button.