With more than 30 COVID-19 cases identified in Orange over the last two weeks the Western NSW Local Health District has urged the community to work together to halt the spread.
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Orange recorded three more cases of COVID-19 in the 24-hours to 8pm on Thursday, bringing the city's number of cases to 20 since Sunday.
WNSWLHD Executive Director, Adrian Fahy said that while the situation in Orange wasn't cause for alarm, it was a timely reminder for everyone in the community to be vigilant.
"There are now several households and two schools that have been impacted. We all know that with restrictions easing the chances of COVID-19 appearing have increased and this is a wake-up call," he said.
"COVID-19 doesn't care where you live or who you are, but it's what we all do in our daily lives that makes a difference."
"Everyone has a role to play and we can't afford to slacken off on any of the measures that have helped keep Orange relatively safe to date.
"Washing and sanitizing your hands frequently, wearing your mask, checking in and out of every location, and getting tested even with the slightest symptoms or concerns - these are the fundamentals that we can all easily incorporate into our routines.
"If you do receive notification that you're a contact, follow the health advice provided to you so you get the help you need, and also so you protect your family and community."
Mr Fahy said that a strong model of care had been developed to support people with COVID or who were in isolation.
"We're fortunate to have great health services in Orange, and strong working relationships with Orange Regional Council, NSW Department of Education and local schools, Police, and other community services.
"Working together we provide medical care, and wellbeing support to individuals and families, as well as broader public health measures that are designed to protect the community.
"It's also a credit to the city that we have 94.3 per cent of people aged 16 and over fully vaccinated, and 97 per cent with their first dose completed. That's helping to slow the spread of COVID-19, and reduce the severity of the illness.
"But it's those basic practices that everyone can put in place that are going to make the difference so please, as you start to move about and particularly as we approach the school holidays, try to be as COVID-safe now as you have ever been.".
Up to 8pm on Thursday, no new venues of concern in Orange were listed, though WNSWLHD reported recent sewerage testing had returned positive traces of the virus in Blayney and Grenfell, where there are currently no known cases on record.
The three cases in Orange were included in the eight cases recorded across the Western Region in the same reporting period, with two cases in the Coonabarabran area, one case in Lightning Ridge, and two more cases in Bathurst.
COVID-19 testing:
Orange Showground Drive-through - Monday to Friday - 8am to 4pm
Wade Park Drive-through - Monday to Friday - 8am to 4pm; Saturday 8am to 11am
Orange Health Service - Saturday and Sunday - 12pm to 4pm
Orange Respiratory Clinic (book appointments online) - Monday to Friday - 8am to 12pm
COVID-19 Vaccination:
Orange Vaccination Hub, 123 Paisley Street. Book Online or phone 1800 571 155. For other vaccination providers go to www.healthdirect.gov.au
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