Central West COVID-19 testing rates among NSW's lowest as low-level health alert issued

A low-level alert was raised for a Sydney cafe and Illawarra areas after a returned traveller tested positive two days after finishing their quarantine period, despite returning two negative tests during hotel isolation.

Non-compulsory, day 16 testing has now been introduced to help catch any similar cases with the NSW Government doubling down in urging people across the state to get tested as low rates still remain a concern.

As NSW's streak without any new, locally-acquired cases has extended testing rates have steadily dropped although a small increase was noted in the most recent update on Monday, with a slight lift in testing numbers compared to the previous day.

Across the last four weeks though - up to 8pm on Sunday - testing rates have continued to drop though, those latest figures showing that's been particularly true of the Central West, or Western NSW Local Health District.

Collectively the region's testing rate has dropped to just 23 per 1000 people with individual testing numbers dropping quite dramatically week-to-week during that period. Western NSW LHD sat above only Southern NSW (19) and Murrumbidgee (22) - the state-wide mark was 38.

In terms of individual cities and towns in the region Orange (37 per 1000 people), Bathurst (26), Dubbo (25) and the Mid-Western LGA (23) lead the way in terms of testing numbers.

Those numbers give an indication of just how rapid the decline has been, in Orange alone there was 66 tests recorded for every 1000 people as recently as a week earlier.

"As the source of one new case announced today is under investigation, today is the 22nd day in a row with no reported locally acquired cases in NSW," NSW Health said in Monday's update.

"It is vital we continue to have high testing numbers to give us the best chance of finding any new cases and preventing new chains of transmission from becoming established.

"The person did not have any symptoms but underwent testing as part of the recently enhanced day-16 follow-up. As an additional precautionary measure, NSW Health has introduced symptom checking and day-16 COVID-19 tests for overseas travellers who have been released from hotel quarantine.

"Test results indicate that the person has a low level of infection and their household contacts have returned negative results to date.

"Investigations to date suggest the infection was likely acquired overseas and there is no indication at this stage that there was transmission in the hotel quarantine setting. Close contacts of the case not associated with venues have been identified and are in self-isolation."

Health alerts include venues in Austinmer, Bulli, Brighton Le Sands, North Wollongong, Fairy Meadow, Corrimal, Thirroul, Madden Plains and Figtree, with details available on the NSW Health website.

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