There are no new positive cases of COVID-19 in the Western Plains today, but the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) remains concerned about several recent sewage detections across the region.

Virus fragments have been detected in samples taken from several locations, including Lightning Ridge and Nyngan, on Monday 18 October.

These towns have no recent or confirmed cases of COVID-19 at this stage, although Lightning Ridge has returned several positive detections over the last few weeks with no cases found yet.

Officials have been consistent with the message to all communities with positive sewage detections to remain extra vigilant for signs and symptoms for the virus and come forward for testing.

Residents with no symptoms and who haven't been in contact with symptomatic people or close contacts are still able to undergo surveillance testing without having to isolate.

Overall testing numbers saw a significant drop, with only 1426 tests conducted across the WNSWLHD.

Testing is currently available across the LHD in various multi-purpose health services, although residents are advised to call them to book ahead.

A list of pop-up testing locations and times in current areas of concern can also be found here.

Results from this testing found two new cases of COVID-19 up to 8pm last night, with one each in Bathurst and Orange. The area's cumulative total case numbers is now 1564.

At this stage, the Bathurst case has been confirmed as not being in the community while infectious. The Orange case remains under investigation.

Both cases are known to be linked to previously confirmed cases.

A further 13 patients were discharged from the WNSWLHD's COVID Care in the Community program. One patient remains hospitalised but is not currently in intensive care.

The government is also encouraging the community of Cobar to take advantage of a first and second dose vaccination clinic at the Cobar Memorial Services Club today from 10am-6pm and tomorrow from 9am-1pm.

Based on the latest vaccination data compiled on Sunday 17 October, 77.3 per cent of the 16 and over population of the Cobar shire have received their first dose while 60.5 per cent had received their second.

However, there are theories the vaccination rates may not be as low as reported due to the constantly fluctuating population in the area.

Vaccination rates across all LGAs across the Western Plains - for residents aged 16 and over as of 17 October can be seen below:

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

Information on vaccination in the WNSWLHD, including current and future vaccination clinics can be found here.

Other information about COVID-19 in NSW can be found on our in-app COVID-19 button.