AS Western Plains communities continue to enjoy newly eased restrictions this week, residents are urged to remember the stark reality of COVID-19 remains.

Three people confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 located in the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) have passed away this week.

One patient was from Dubbo reported on Monday 28 February, one from Orange reported on Tuesday 1 March and the third located in the central west from the most recent reporting period up to 4pm yesterday.

WNSWLHD has expressed its sincere condolences to the loved ones of each patient who passed away in their region.

Of the 19 people reported to have died in NSW over these three days, all were over the age of 50 with only one person being unvaccinated.

NSW Health officials have stated that old age is a significant risk factor for serious illness and death from COVID-19, particularly when combined with significant underlying health conditions, and is all the more dangerous for people who aren't fully vaccinated.

Hospitalisations this week have remained mostly steady in the WNSWLHD, beginning with 18 up to 4pm on Sunday 27 February, dropping to 15 by the same time the following day and increasing slightly to 16 up to 4pm on Tuesday 1 March.

During this same period, the number of people in intensive care has dropped from two to one.

There were 406 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 up to 4pm yesterday in WNSWLHD, with 126 being positive PCR results and 280 positive Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) results.

Note, there may be some cases where people have reported multiple positive RAT results and/or also had a positive PCR test during the same reporting period, resulting in duplicates.

According to the latest NSW Health data from Tuesday 1 March, there were 537 active COVID-19 cases in the Western Plains. Active cases are defined as people who have tested positive in the past 14 days.

Broken down into LGA's, this includes 46 in Walgett, 44 in Brewarrina, 45 in Bourke, 15 in Cobar, 68 in Bogan, 70 in Lachlan, 68 in Narromine, 31 in Gilgandra, 27 in Warren, 58 in Coonamble and 65 in Warrumbungle.

"COVID-19 is everywhere, which is why we encourage everyone to take sensible precautions all the time, rather than using the number of new cases identified on any given day as their reason to be COVID-safe," a statement from WNSWLHD said.

"Wear a mask wherever required. Wash and sanitise hands frequently. Socially distance wherever possible. Use QR codes. Take care around older people, or people with health conditions. Plan ahead. Have a Plan C ready for if you, or someone in your household, needs to self-isolate."