Bathurst COVID-19 case confirmed: Regional NSW lockdown extended as 681 cases recorded

The Western Advocate understands the Bathurst case, announced by Deputy Premier John Barilaro at the NSW Government's daily briefing, is in detention but that will be confirmed later today.

There have previously been two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in inmates linked to Bathurst Correctional Centre and the confirmation of a new case in Bathurst comes just a day after traces of COVID were detected in the local sewage.

There were 25 new cases recorded across the Western NSW Local Health District in the 24 hours to 8pm. The total number of cases in our region is now up to a total 167.

Mr Barilaro confirmed the Bathurst case along with cases in Dubbo, Mudgee, Brewarrina and Wilcannia from Wednesday's numbers.

"It is right we stay in front of the curve, in front of the spread and keep regional and rural NSW in lockdown. Get out and get tested," Mr Barilaro said.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian acknowledged there were vast areas of regional NSW without cases but said they were taking a precautionary stance.

"Given the outbreak in western NSW and a few cases elsewhere in the region, the lockdown in regional NSW will continue," she said.

Ms Berejiklian said every state will have to learn to live with Delta.

She said NSW can lead the way in making sure people stay out of hospital while citizens live as freely as possible through high rates of vaccination.

NSW recorded 681 new cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm yesterday, 87 of which were infectious while in the community. The isolation status of 459 cases remain under investigation.

A COVID-positive man with underlying health conditions died with the virus.

110,000 COVID vaccines were administered in the 24 hours to 8pm yesterday and 119,000 tests undertaken.

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