The Western NSW Local Health District is strongly urging members of the Bathurst community to consider getting tested regardless of the new daily case figure in the region.
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Bathurst recorded only the one new case of COVID-19 to 8pm Thursday, but testing numbers fell by over 100 in comparison to the previous day, despite the region recording six new cases on Wednesday.
WNSWLHD chief executive officer Scott McLachlan said its important for the Bathurst community to up the turnout for testing, particularly with surveillance testing now in effect for the area.
"This [testing] is the most important thing we can all do alongside vaccinations, particularly in Bathurst where there has been a number of people infectious in the community over the past fortnight," Mr McLachlan said.
"We've opened up surveillance testing to ensure people can get tested whether asymptomatic or not, as those without symptoms don't have to self-isolate until they receive a result."
"Even if you're feeling okay but have been in contact with someone who has had the sniffles, or if your health has taken an unexpected turn, come and get a test."
READ ALSO: NSW records 1284 new COVID cases, 12 deaths
The WNSWLHD recorded 15 new cases across Thursday, 10 of which were in Dubbo and one each in Orange and Blayney.
Sadly, Dubbo recorded three further deaths as a result of COVID-19 all of whom were aged care residents.
With NSW edging very close to 50 per cent fully vaccinated on Friday, Mr McLachlan said it's "entirely possible" the state could hit 70 per cent in three weeks time as long as those who received their first dose remember to return for their second.
"We know the Australian Defence Force [ADF] clinic is scheduled to return to Bathurst for second doses in a couple of weeks, but it's also important for those who got jabbed elsewhere [GPs, pharmacies etc.] to show up for that second jab," he said.
"Getting one jab doesn't give you full protection from COVID, the second jab is absolutely critical."
Bathurst residents are strongly encouraged to pay close attention to the latest updates regarding local case locations, with Mr McLachlan forecasting the number of new cases to rise over the coming days.
To monitor new case locations, visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/case-locations-and-alerts.aspx. The site is updated every few hours.
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