The Western NSW Local Health District has recorded its lowest number of Covid-19 cases in weeks, with just 2 cases recorded up to 8pm last night. Of those cases, one was not infectious in the community, while the other remains under investigation.  

The low case numbers are a fitting reflection of the traction of Covid-19 vaccination numbers as vaccine rates in the region continue to climb. 

Today also marks the next step in NSW’s roadmap to recovery, with freedoms to increasing across the state in celebration of hitting 80 per cent double vaccinations state-wide. 

Among the new freedoms are the slight relaxing of the mask mandate, an increase to 20 visitors in homes and gatherings of 50 people allowed outside, as well as the resuming of community sports. Patrons of pubs and clubs will be permitted to drink while standing up. 

Recent amendments to the roadmap mean that travel between Greater Sydney and the regions won’t be permitted until November 1. 

The new freedoms are a testament to the local health district's dedication to vaccinating the local population, having introduced two new vaccination vans which will help to reach smaller communities across the Western Plains.

The two vans that will travel the region have been dubbed ‘Spike’ and ‘Jabba’.

One vaccination van visited Eumungerie this morning, October 18^th, and Tooraweenah this afternoon.

As restrictions continue to relax, time will tell if the low numbers continue with increased movement in the community. 

Health authorities have predicted and prepared for an increase in case numbers, which can only be identified if high testing numbers continue across the region. Unfortunately, low testing numbers in the WNSWLHD have become commonplace throughout the Covid-19 outbreak. 

One patient with a positive Covid-19 case remains in hospital across the WNSWLHD, with zero patients in the ICU.