The recently revoked restrictions are likely to see a change, following surges in Covid-19 case numbers across NSW, where 5,715 positive cases were recorded up to 8pm last night. 

Across the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD), there were 65 cases recorded up to 8pm last night. The Western Plains areas saw three in Coonabarabran, one in Walgett, and one in Cobar.

Yesterday, December 22, the federal cabinet sat to discuss the growing Covid-19 situation across the country, where NSW has taken a dramatic lead in case numbers. 

While other states have introduced or reinstated an indoor mask mandate, including Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has resisted pressure to reintroduce similar measures. 

However, there is wide speculation that Mr Perrottet will announce the reintroduction of QR-code check-ins, after their removal saw the weakening of contract tracing across the state. 

Sources also say that Rapid Antigen Testing kits will be made free in NSW to reduce overwhelming pressure on PCR testing clinics and increase accessibility to faster results. 

Mr Perrottet is yet to make any official announcement.

The Australian Medical Association President Omar Khoshid has criticised the lax NSW response to the Omicron outbreak and refusal to reinstate the mask mandate, stating that maintaining the renewed freedoms shouldn’t be prioritised over public safety. 

“Having the courage, having the will to say to people: look, we just need you to do this, like we need you to wear seat belts, like we need you not to drive when you're drunk. We need you to wear a mask, not to protect yourself, but to protect other people in the community. That is what we do,” Mr Khoshid said. 

“Those are the limits we accept on our freedoms to live in a community, in a society. These are very reasonable steps, and they must be taken now,” he said. 

As local case numbers continue to grow, locals are urged to seek out testing following even the mildest of symptoms, and to stay home over the Christmas period if you are unwell.