Orange COVID update: No new cases, regional NSW open to Sydney-siders

Up to 8pm Sunday, there were no new cases for Orange, Cabonne or Blayney, and just two recorded for the whole Western NSW Local Health District. Both of these were in Bathurst.

The last time Orange recorded any new cases was Wednesday, October 27, when the LGA reported one. Surprisingly, Orange recorded its highest ever number of new cases in one day only the day before. On Tuesday, October 26, there were seven new cases.

Monday's good news of no new cases for Orange and so few across the health region and the state comes as regional travel opens up to Sydney-siders.

From today - November 1 - fully vaccinated NSW residents can start travelling freely between Greater Sydney and the regions.

Also on Monday, international travellers touched down at Sydney Airport as the border to NSW re-opened in a landmark day for the state's COVID-19 response.

The first overseas flight touched down at Kingsford Smith Airport before dawn on Monday.

Under the change, fully vaccinated passengers won't have to quarantine in a hotel or at home, paving the way for Australians stranded overseas to be able to come home for Christmas.

Across the state, there were just 135 new COVID-19 cases and four deaths in the 24 hours to 8pm Sunday night.

While 93.6 per cent of people aged 16 years and older have now had their first dose of a vaccine, while 87.7 per cent are fully vaccinated.

In the Orange LGA there are still 13 people receiving care while battling COVID-19, while 11 others were discharged from care in the week-long period extending to October 27.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: