Western NSW case numbers have remained steady as the state government releases its roadmap out of lockdown once the state reaches double vaccinations for 80 per cent of the state. 

Up to 8pm last night there were 24 cases in the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD). Of those cases 11 were in Wellington, five in Dubbo, four in Cowra, two in Blayney, one in Narromine and one in Canowindra. 

The only case across the Western Plains in the last 24 hours, the Narromine person has been confirmed as not infectious in the community and therefore of low to no risk to Narromine and the wider community. 

Out of the 24 cases, 12 have known links, nine of which were confirmed to be infectious in the community. 

Case numbers have remained at a steady rate in the WNSWLHD, hovering at above 20 cases over the past three days, and reaching over 30 prior to that. 

Chief Executive of WNSWLHD Scott McLachlan says the steady case numbers are “really disappointing”. 

“One of the things that’s an absolute guarantee is for us is whether you’re in stay-at-home orders or not, the risk remains the same for transmission of Covid-19 in the community."

Revised 'roadmap' to recovery

Meanwhile, the state government has released its roadmap for when 80 per cent of NSW reach double-dose vaccination status, which is projected only two weeks after the expected date of reaching 70 per cent on October 11. 

The new road map includes a variety of significant freedoms, including standing while drinking at hospitality venues, up to 10 people allowed to visit and gather at a home, and being able to return to community sport.

It has been made clear that none of these freedoms will be available to unvaccinated members of the community with the exception of attending places of worship. 

Member for Barwon Roy Butler has expressed his opposition to the approach that divides vaccinated and unvaccinated people. 

“In a climate of anxiety and apprehension, bring people with you, don’t make them feel cornered,” said Mr Barwon. 

Unvaccinated people will be afforded more freedoms when 90 per cent fully vaccinated status is reached. 

With a mere two weeks until the states projected date to reach 70 per cent double-vaccinations, the state government has made an amendment to the road map announced weeks ago, stating that travelling into the regions from Covid-19 hotspots in Greater Sydney won’t be allowed now until 80 per cent vaccinations is reached. 

The change to the plans will have an impact on local businesses and communities expecting an injection a boost into their local economy from tourists itching to leave their stay-at-home orders.

Your local testing locations can be found here and vaccination clinics can be found here.