A SECOND case of COVID-19 has been identified in Coonamble in the last 24 hours, indicating there has been the potential of spread in the local community.

The new case was included in the four new cases recorded up to 8pm last night for the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD). Other cases were all from the Cabonne LGA, including two in Molong, which has seen several cases in recent days.

This is the second case for the Coonamble township in a week after identifying its first official case of the year on Friday 26 November.

A spokesperson from the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) said investigations into whether or not the two cases have been infectious in the community are still ongoing.

"This is a timely reminder that everyone needs to stay on guard, because COVID-19 is still creeping around our communities and it doesn’t care where you live or who you are," the spokesperson said.

"We know that as restrictions ease and movement increases there is a greater chance of the virus appearing in areas that have been relatively safe to date."

Despite the new case in Coonamble, WNSWLHD says the spread of COVID across the LHD was always going to happen and following all the latest health advice was the best way to stay safe.

Testing numbers in Coonamble have seen a slight increase in the days since the first case was discovered, although the WNSWLHD spokesperson said this was likely too low to indicate the full extent of potential spread.

According to WNSWLHD, a total of 15 tests were conducted on Friday 26 November, followed by nine on Saturday 27 November, three on Sunday 28 November, 17 on Monday 29 November and 11 on Tuesday 30 November.

The Coonamble pharmacy and Supa IGA received word a positive case had attended their venues on Tuesday 23 November, however it has not been determined if this was the original case or someone else passing through the town.

With this in mind, the WNSWLHD spokesperson said communities such as Coonamble should not be panicking but should be mindful of all the current health advice.

"It is a credit to the community that we have at least 90 per cent of people 16 and over across the Coonamble shire fully-vaccinated, and more than 95 per cent with their first dose- that’s helping to slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the severity of illness," they said.

“But it’s the fundamental things that everyone can put in place as part of their daily routines that are going to make the difference - routines – wash and sanitise your hands regularly, wear your mask, check in and out everywhere you go, get tested even with the mildest symptoms or concerns.

“If you receive a notification that you are a contact, follow the health advice provided so that you can get the help you need but also so you can protect your family and your community.”

Coonamble Shire Council Mayor Ahmad Karanouh said he was very disappointed to hear Coonamble had identified local cases of COVID and urged residents to follow directions laid out by WNSWLHD.

"I urge the community to go out for testing ASAP to keep the whole community safe - we need to come up in droves," Mr Karanouh said.

"I also urge anyone who is not vaccinated yet - and I know there's not too many left - to book their vaccination ASAP."

Surveillance testing capabilities remain in place and are encouraged for Coonamble residents, meaning locals who do not have any symptoms, are not considered close contacts and have not been to any places listed as a close or casual contact venue do not have to isolate, so long as the same applies to everyone in their household.

Testing in Coonamble is currently available at the local Multi-Purpose Health Service. Residents seeking a COVID test are encouraged to phone 6822 9300 to make an appointment.

For more information on COVID-19 in NSW, be sure to check out our in-app COVID-19 button.