The majority of the 23 new covid cases announced for the Western Local Health District up to 8pm on Sunday 3 October have been isolating, giving a glimmer of hope that the spread may be slowing and giving us time to think about preparing for new freedoms. 

Twelve of the new cases announced this morning were in Wellington, with three in Bourke and two in Narromine, including one known to have been infectious in the community. The other cases were in Cowra (2), and one each in Dubbo, Mudgee, Bathurst and Orange local government areas. 

Twenty one of the twenty three cases are linked, including 17 household contacts. Just four are under investigation. 

Eight more people have been discharged from the Covid Care in the Community Program, bringing the total number discharged to more than 1050 and leaving 349 people being treated at home or in community-based accommodation. 

There are now 14 people in hospital, including three in intensive care and 2 on ventilation. 

Nyngan remains on alert following the detection of the virus in sewage samples in recent days, despite having no known covid cases in the community. Testing is encouraged to ensure that any new cases and their contacts are identified quickly to prevent the virus circulating.

In the last 24 hours, no changes have been made to Stay-at-home orders imposed on areas of WNSWLHD where ongoing concerns regarding community transmission have been identified. 

Preparing for more freedoms 

While the notion of a 'Freedom Day' has been criticised by health and other officials, the state government's roadmap for releasing residents from restrictions based on vaccination status means that now is a good time to begin preparing proof of your personal status. 

You can download the Medicare Express App on your smart phone which provides the vaccine certificate. Get the instructions here.

Find out how to get proof of your COVID-19 vaccinations through your immunisation history statement or COVID-19 digital certificate by clicking here or to get an immunisation history statement online try this link.

Also, the Australian Immunisation Register can provide an immunisation history statement, either digitally or as a printed copy if you call and ask for your immunisation history statement to be posted. However it may take up to 14 days to arrive. 

Call 1800 653 809 Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm or go to this site.