Orange Covid: One case recorded, Bowen school closed

The cases account for the total number of six recorded in the Western NSW Local Health district.

Orange's single case follows four recorded in Orange that were announced on Tuesday from Monday's reporting period.

The six new cases take the Western NSW Local Health districts overall number to 1692 cases but there is currently no one in hospital with the virus.

Bowen Public school was closed on Thursday after a member of the school community returned a positive COVID-19 case.

Principlal Marianne Pankhurst informed the Bowen parents and careers via the school's Facebook page

"I would like to confirm with you that a member of our school community has tested positive for COVID-19," Mrs Pankhurst posted.

"Our school will be non-operational immediately for the on-site attendance of students and staff to allow time for contact tracing and cleaning.

"All staff and students are asked to self-isolate until you receive further advice.

"There is no requirement to get a COVID-19 test at this time unless you are unwell."

Mrs Pankhurst reminded the school community that NSW Health has requests anyone who has been unwell or if develops symptoms such as a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell/taste, muscle/joint pains, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting or extreme tiredness to be tested.

"While we recognise this will be disruptive and inconvenient for families, it is important that we follow NSW Health advice and take all necessary precautions to minimise the risk of further transmission to support our community."

Mrs Pankhurst said during the closure, learning from home resources will be available from the learning from home hub.

Bowen was also closed on October 24.

The six Western NSW LHD cases were included in NSW's 262 new COVID-19 cases and three deaths in the 24 hours to 8pm.

This is the third day in a row the state has seen increases in numbers with 212 cases recorded on November 16, and 231 on Wednesday, November 17.

The state's population aged 16 years and over is now 91.4 per cent fully vaccinated, while 94.3 per cent have had their first dose.

In those aged 12-15 years of age, 74.2 per cent are fully vaccinated while 80.7 per cent have had a single dose.

There are 199 COVID-19 patients in hospital, while 29 are in ICU.

On Wednesday, 80,402 tests were conducted, which is down on the previous day's total of 88,104.

On Wednesday, the highest number of new cases came from the South Western Sydney Local Health District where 60 COVID-19 cases were recorded. The second-highest number of cases were recorded in the Hunter New England LHD with 44, while third was Western Sydney LHD with 35.

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:

HAVE YOUR SAY

Send a letter to the editor using the form below