While Bourke and Narromine remain areas of concern in the Western Plains, the Walgett LGA made the escape from lockdown just in time to enjoy the October Long Weekend, after almost two whole months under stay-at-home orders. 

The lifting of stay-at-home orders was a close call for the Walgett shire, with restrictions lifted on Friday morning, despite seeing three positive cases recorded the day before. 

Walgett is yet to see any more positive cases across the weekend since the lockdown has been lifted, a hopeful sign for a community that was of high concern to the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) not so long ago.

Local cases

Up to 8pm last night, there were 34 cases of Covid-19 across the WNSWLHD, bringing the total number of cases since the outbreak to 1383 in the Western region. 

8 of these cases were located in Wellington, 7 in Oberon, 6 in Dubbo, 4 in Cowra, 3 in Narromine, 2 in Bourke, 2 in Gulgong, 1 in Mudgee and 1 in Bathurst. 

Of the 34 new cases, 11 have been infectious in the community, 8 of which for at least 2 days. 9 cases remain under investigation. 

Testing and vaccinations

Around 2,800 tests were conducted yesterday across the health district.

At Nyngan a positive sewerage detection has been identified, yet no positive covid-19 cases have been found. Following the detection, Nyngan locals are recommended to seek out testing with fears that there are cases active in the community. 

Testing facilities at Nyngan and other localities across the district can be found here.

Officials are continuing to urge locals to get vaccinated, so the district reaches 70 per cent double vaccinations at the same time as the state, on October 11. 

The milestone will see several freedoms introduced for LGAs that remain in lockdown across the state, including Narromine and Bourke.