The 39 new covid cases registered in the Western Local Health District (LHD) up to 8pm on Christmas Day are a significant drop from the 119 of Christmas Eve but most likely reflect the lack of testing around the region rather than a slowing of infections. 

Of the new cases, 12 were in the area covered by the Western Plains App: 

Cobar –3 

Warrumbungle – 3  (Coonabarabran - 1, Coolah - 1, Baradine - 1) 

Walgett Shire - 1  

Gilgandra – 1 

Warren - 2 

Coonamble - 1 

Cobar - 3 

Bogan Shire - 1  

There is only 1 new case in hospital in the latest reporting period.

With many local testing clinics not re-opening until Wednesday 29 December and some people avoiding testing due to isolation requirements, it is getting more difficult to get a realistic picture of the true extent of this latest outbreak. 

There have been reports that the suspension of testing in some western plains towns is due to lack of courier services to deliver testing samples to pathology labs rather than a shortage of health testing staff or lab closures. 

The Western Plains App's COVID section has more about Symptoms & Testing including your nearest testing clinic's opening hours.

While waiting to access testing or receive results, the Western LHD say it is important to keep practising covid safe behaviours which include wearing a face mask when required and when you can’t distance from others and washing your hands regularly and using hand sanitiser when out and about. 

Although it is difficult at this time of year, it is important not to attend any gatherings or have visitors to your home if you feel unwell, even if your COVID-19 symptoms are mild. 

If you can purchase a rapid antigen test, consider doing a rapid antigen test before visiting vulnerable family or friends and before attending large gatherings. NSW Health say rapid antigen testing is only suitable if you have no symptoms and feel well. 

They also recommend that groups meet outdoors if they can and, if gathering indoors, to choose large well-ventilated spaces and open doors and windows.