While COVID-19 cases for the Central Western region seem to have plateaued, Dubbo has tragically recorded yet another death linked to the St Mary's Villa aged care facility.
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The elderly COVID-positive woman in her 90s at St Mary's Villa passed away within the 24 hours from Tuesday to Wednesday morning.
The woman was fully vaccinated but suffered from several underlying issues.
The number of deaths recorded for the Western NSW Local Health District is now nine.
There are now ten COVID-19 patients in care at St Mary's Villa and four residents at Holy Spirit aged care facility in Dubbo.
Western NSW Local Health District chief executive officer Scott McLachlan said his thoughts were with the woman's friends and family.
In the 24 hours to 8 pm Tuesday, there were an additional nine COVID-19 cases recorded for the region, four in Dubbo, three in Wellington and two in Walgett.
Of the nine cases, two were known to have been infectious in the community, one in Dubbo and one in Wellington.
Linked to known clusters are two cases, while four are linked to other cases and three are being investigated.
Of the Wellington cases, two are household contacts and one is under investigation.
"There's a case that has been recorded in Mudgee in the last 48 hours that was infectious in the community," Mr McLachlan added.
He said more information about the case would be shared as details came to light.
Also within the 24 hours to 8pm Tuesday three COVID-19 cases were recorded for Broken Hill.
Oberon is also now a place of concern after returning a positive sewage test for COVID-19.
Mr McLachlan is urging Oberon residents to get tested immediately.
The region has now recorded a total of 1089 COVID-19 cases since the COVID-19 delta strain outburst, with more than 800 of those no longer infectious.
Mr McLachlan said while the number of COVID-19 cases for the region seems to have plateaued, there remains a real risk.
"While it's still pleasing to see that we've got some plateauing in the numbers, there's still a real risk in the region of further spread," he said.
"There are people with COVID-19 in our communities, in our shopping centres, at our supermarkets, service stations, in our homes and over our neighbour's fences, so please, everyone still maintain your vigilance around everything that has kept us safe till now."
Mr McLachlan said on a positive note the region's vaccination rates were still "booming", particularly for second doses.
"We know COVID-19 will continue to spread across our communities in coming weeks, months and years, the best protection against that is to get vaccinated," he said.
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Taylor Dodge
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
