Drop in new Bathurst, Oberon cases pleases Western NSW Local Health District

In the 24 hours to 8pm Thursday, Bathurst recorded zero new cases of COVID-19, while Oberon registered two, a big drop from the 12 recorded in the 24 hours prior.

READ ALSO: 15 deaths and 864 new COVID-19 cases in NSW

Western NSW Local Health District chief executive officer Scott McLachlan said it was pleasing to see a drop in new cases across Bathurst and Oberon, and has encouraged both communities to keep the vigilance up over the weekend.

"We know there was significant transmission between households, across the community and within workplaces, mostly across Oberon, so today's drop is a step in the right direction," Mr McLachlan said.

"I'd like to encourage people in Bathurst, and especially Oberon, to keep COVID-19 testing rates up over the weekend."

READ ALSO: No new cases for Bathurst, big drop in new Oberon cases

Mr McLachlan said vaccination rates across the WNSWLHD are tracking nicely, with most local government areas on track to hit 70 per cent [or thereabouts] in time for lockdown to lift for fully vaccinated residents on October 11.

"We expect the health district as a whole will be 80 per cent fully vaccinated a fortnight after October 11," he said.

"If you haven't had a first dose, now's the time to book, and with Pfizer and Moderna now cleared for people over 60, so there's ample opportunity for some of the most vulnerable people in the community to get a jab."

READ ALSO: Bathurst hairdressers looking forward to welcoming back clients

A drive-through vaccination clinic will operate by appointment at Mount Panorama next week, offering first doses of Pfizer to all people who are eligible, but haven't received a vaccine yet.

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