Western NSW Local Health District unveils information packs for COVID-positive cases

With COVID-19 cases expected to rise over the coming weeks and the Omicron variant largely tipped to become the dominant strain, the WNSWLHD is imploring individuals to plan ahead should they test positive.

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"We expect transmission of COVID-19 to continue increasing as movement around the state does, particularly in the holiday period, so part of our individual responsibility is to take sensible precautions," WNSWLHD acting chief executive Mark Spittal said.

"We recommend everyone wears a mask where required but also wherever you cannot socially distance, and in crowded indoor areas like supermarkets, shopping centres or bottle shops.

"Other fundamental behaviours include washing and sanitising your hands regularly, checking in and out using QR codes wherever required and staying home if you feel unwell at all."

Mr Spittal said the WNSWLHD recommends entire families get tested before travelling and to keep rapid antigen tests handy while away and at home for use before going to gatherings or social events.

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"The vast majority of people who test positive do not need high-level care, so taking steps to have everything you need in place will make it significantly easier to safely manage at home while you recover," he said.

"If you plan ahead, you can at least have some peace of mind and be prepared."

Mr Spittal confirmed on Tuesday that 96 per cent of the WNSWLHD are 'double dosed' against COVID-19, with 97.4 per cent having received a single dose.

"By anybody's standard, that's an enormous response from our district," he said.

"Furthermore, the WNSWLHD's vaccination services are averaging between 380 and 480 booster doses a day, noting that booster doses are primarily being delivered through general practices and community pharmacies and not our own services."

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"Vaccination is still our best protection against transmission and serious illness if transmission occurs, so please get vaccinated as a priority if you haven't already and book in for your booster shot as soon as you are eligible five months after your second dose."

Mr Spittal said while there's clear evidence the Omicron variant is more transmissible than past variants, hospital transmissions aren't currently trending upwards across the health district.

For more information on planning ahead for COVID, visit the WNSWLHD website.

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