Another small freedom has been granted across the state, with local swimming pools allowed to open from Monday September 27. 

The Westerns NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) saw case numbers shrink back to single digits, with eight positive cases recorded up to 8pm last night.

Of those cases, four were located in Dubbo, two in Wellington and two in Walgett. 

While recent low case numbers have been believed to be linked to low testing numbers, Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders congratulated the community on a rise in testing yesterday, with over 3000 tests conducted across the district. 

“I think surveillance testing is one of the changes that we’re seeing make a bit of a difference on that end,” Mr Saunders said. 

While varying restrictions are in place across Western Plains LGAs, the statewide decision to allow public swimming pools to open comes as a welcome new freedom. 

“I think plenty of people will be looking forward to the ability to be training and swimming as we make our way into the warmer months,” said Mr Saunders. 

With just over a week until the pools are allowed to open, the clarity around how those pools will operate in each LGA will be given over the course of the week, guided by NSW Health. 

Macquarie Health Collective CEO Tanya Forster said that continuing to seek out vaccine opportunities is our best chance to see “2022 not dominated by a pandemic”.

“I’m dreaming of a Christmas that I can spend with people I care about. I’m dreaming of holidays,” Ms Forster said. 

While the message surrounding health has been overwhelmingly dominated by Covid-19 information, Ms Forster urged members of the community to seek out professional health to maintain physical and mental health also. 

“Now is not the time to neglect your health care needs. Your healthcare providers such as GPs, psychologists, dieticians and physios are all here to help, although we might be doing things a little differently at the moment,” she said.

“I would especially like to emphasise the importance of taking care of our mental health. I know times are tough at the moment, we are all feeling it,” Ms Forster said. 

Her urgency follows the tragedy of multiple suicides in the Dubbo and extended community.

“Please reach out, please check in on your mates. GPs and psychologists are only a phone call away, and we want to help,” she added. 

The opportunity to see greater freedoms and time with loved ones will be granted as vaccination numbers continue to rise across the state. 

Vaccine opportunities continue to be available at doctor’s surgeries and pharmacies across the Western Plains. 

An additional vaccination clinic will be open at Narromine Keeping Place on Sunday 19 and Monday 20 September from 10am-5pm with no appointments required. The clinic is particularly aimed at vaccinating Aboriginal community members.