Ten close contacts of Orange's first confirmed COVID-19 case in three months are in isolation and people are being urged to come and get tested as part of a drive-thru testing clinic on Saturday.
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However, Orange residents have no reason to believe there is danger of a cluster breaking out in the city according to NSW Local Health District chief executive Scott McLachlan, although he expressed "concern" about the number of people travelling to and from the region.
The LHD confirmed Orange's first case in months on Friday, with the case a Charles Sturt University student clinician - who doesn't live in Orange - working at the hospital as part of their placement.
"This student has immediately isolated, and has been doing everything right including getting tested early."
He said the student had been part of a cluster at a Sydney restaurant, but didn't specify which one.
About 10 staff, students and patients who were in close contact with the student - who was wearing a mask while at the hospital - are now being tested.
I think people really need to think about where they're travelling.
- NSW Local Health District chief executive Scott McLachlan
He said he was confident contact tracing had found all contacts, but warned the virus could easily slip back into the region.
"There's always the risk of further spread of this virus, it can be anywhere in our region any day of the week with just a cough or a sneeze," he said.
"I don't think the community has cause for real alarm, we've been in contact with the known close contacts of this case, they're all isolating and being tested."
He said the deluge of Sydneysiders and domestic tourists coming to the region each weekend - with the Fire Festival in Orange this weekend - was a concern.
" I think there are a lot of people travelling into our region which is a real concern," he said.
"I think people really need to think about where they're travelling. This is the perfect example of someone travelling and spreading the virus in our region.
"The best thing you can do is socially distance from other people, if you do need to cough and sneeze, do in your sleeve. If you can't socially distance, wear a mask, and wash and sanitise your hands regularly.
"This weekend especially with the fire festival in Orange we need to make sure the community and travellers are heeding this advice."
Mr McLachlan urged anyone with concerns or who showed symptoms to come forward and get tested at the Orange Showgrounds from 10am to 5pm Saturday.
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Max Stainkamph
Max joined the CWD in September 2017, leaving the big smoke of Melbourne to come to Orange, where he stayed until 2020.
Max joined the CWD in September 2017, leaving the big smoke of Melbourne to come to Orange, where he stayed until 2020.
