COVID testing is still being conducted across Orange as residents face an uncertain Christmas following a further 15 coronavirus cases being recorded, with NSW Health now reporting 83 known cases in NSW.
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The new cases, linked to the Northern Beaches cluster, have lead to an increase in testing with 38,000 tests conducted across Sydney in the past 24 hours and stronger restrictions being reintroduced.
The Western Local Health District reported as of Monday, December 21 a total of 5,494 tests had been completed in the last four weeks with zero cases recorded.
The top ten regions undertaking COVID-19 testing by Western Local Government Area (LGA) include:
- Orange- 1282
- Bathurst- 1129
- Dubbo- 1010
- Mid Western- 584
- Lithgow- 439
- Hilltops- 306
- Cowra- 218
- Blayney- 174/ Parkes 174
- Cabonne- 148
- Forbes- 113
Deputy Premier of NSW, John Barilaro, urged people to be responsible over the coming days and get tested if they experience any symptoms.
"If you've got any symptoms, please get tested, change your travel plans and maybe not visit regional NSW right now until we get on top of this issue."
The message is for personal responsibility - if you're not feeling well, get checked before you travel through the region.
- Deputy Premier of NSW, John Barilaro
"Self isolate, we're asking you to take responsibility."
While encouraging everyone to take responsibility, he added that while regional health systems are handling the situation well, the last thing anyone wanted was to be overwhelmed and that's why everyone must take responsibility.
"The message is for personal responsibility - if you're not feeling well, get checked before you travel through the region," Mr Barilaro said.
Western NSW Health are still encouraging anyone experiencing symptoms to get themselves tested quickly and self isolate until results are known.
Symptoms may include a cough, sore or 'scratchy' throat, shortness of breath and fever.
There are a variety of places to get tested including visiting your local hospital, calling a Respiratory Clinic to make an appointment, visiting a local COVID-19 testing clinic or calling your GP to see if they can perform a test, or you can visit a mobile testing service when it is in your town.
Times and locations of venues available for COVID testing are available on the NSW Health website.
While there are no active cases in Western NSW, previous regions (LGA) that have experienced cases include:
- Orange City- 13
- Bathurst Regional- 9
- Dubbo Regional- 6
- Mid-Western Region- 6
- Cabonne Shire- 5
- Blayney Shire- 3
- Parkes Shire- 2
- Narromine Shire- 1
- Warren Shire- 1
- Warrumbungle Shire- 1
- Weddin Shire- 1
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