WITH COVID-19 testing numbers down on the rate a week ago, there has been a further push for residents in the community to come forward and get tested, even with the mildest of symptoms.
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Up until 8pm on Monday, August 30, the Western NSW Local Area Health District recorded 54 new cases of COVID-19.
Of those 32 were located in Dubbo, eight in Bourke, five in Wellington, five in Bathurst and one case in Brewarrina, Narromine, Mudgee and Parkes.
As case numbers continue to increase, Western NSW Local Area Health District's chief executive Scott McLachlan reiterated the serious need for people to get tested.
As this goes on it's becoming harder to link where people got the infection because there are so many people that have been infectious in the community.
- Western NSW Local Area Health District's chief executive Scott McLachlan
"We've seen another record number of cases identified up to 8pm yesterday ... now that takes us to the total of 615 cases in western NSW and some pretty crook people across all of our communities with this," Mr McLachlan said.
"We are still seeing a significant number of people in our community with symptoms, going out to shops, going out to other venues and not getting tested. That's the perfect spreader event for you and me and everyone else in this community.
"Can I please urge everyone, we are calling on everyone, stop still, please if you have any symptoms, however mild, go and get tested and don't go out.
"We are seeing way too much spread across our communities and we saw yesterday the tragic events that happen when this gets out of control. We don't want to be at that place.
"So can I urge everyone, stop, get tested and let's not see anymore deaths in Western NSW," he said.
Of the cases yesterday 14 were infectious in the community, 13 were linked to household contacts while 41 are still under investigation.
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"As this goes on it's becoming harder to link where people got the infection because there are so many people that have been infectious in the community," Mr McLachlan said.
The call for testing also comes on the same day as a number of anti-mask protests were held across communities around the state, including in Dubbo.
It is understood just four people gathered outside the council chambers in Dubbo on Tuesday morning to protest.
In both Orange and Mudgee however, larger groups gathered to protest. In Orange four people were arrested and 13 charges were laid against them.
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