The Moderna vaccine is set to hit pharmacies in the region this week, boosting vaccination opportunities across the Western Plains. 

Up to 8pm last night there were 10 new cases in the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLD). Of those cases, six were located in Dubbo, three in Walgett and one in Cowra. 

Nine of those cases are linked and one is still under investigation. 

While case numbers across the region are low, the weekend also marked the eighth death in the health district, as a man in his seventies tragically died from Covid-19. The Dubbo man was suffering from underlying health conditions. 

After seeing its first positive case in the LGA since the pandemic began last year, Cowra will return to Stay-At-Home orders for the next seven days from 5pm tonight. The Stay-At-Home orders apply to anyone who has been in the Cowra LGA at any point since Monday September 13.

Chief Executive of WNSWLHD Scott McLachlan said that Cowra’s circumstances are an “example of why we can’t relax”.

“I want to reassure everyone that there is an expert panel that looks at what is a real risk for communities, what the need is for Stay-At-Home orders, and the things that will need to be in place to help keep the community safe,” Mr McLachlan said. 

Despite this, questions are still unanswered for the Gilgandra LGA, who are still subject to Stay-At-Home orders despite surpassing the 14-day threshold without a case, having recorded their last positive case on September 2.

The region’s vaccination numbers are continuing to rise, with the addition of the Moderna vaccine set to create even more availability. 

Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders says it’s now up to the public to keep pushing to reach the vaccination targets. 

“It (Moderna) will be arriving in our region this week with dosing starting in most places next week with lots of availability,” Mr Saunders said. 

The Moderna vaccine is suitable for people aged 12 and above.

Meanwhile, Mr McLachlan said that while the uptake for vaccinations in young people has been impressive, it’s time to urge “mums, dads, aunties and uncles” to get their vaccination. 

“I don’t want to be leaving anyone behind in the region. Particularly for some of our people over the age of 60 and 70, the most crucial thing we can do is help them get vaccinated,” Mr McLachlan said. 

Although it is difficult to observe exactly how the vaccine has lessened the impact of Covid-19 as uptake is still underway, Mr McLachlan says the results have been promising. 

“Definitely without a doubt, vaccination is starting to have more of an impact in slowing down some of the transmission. It’s also helping people not get as crook as they might have done without being vaccinated,” Mr McLachlan said.  

Local vaccine opportunities are available at GPs, pharmacies and walk-in clinics around the region, and can be found on the vaccination booking website.