Western NSW LHD boss Mark Spittal says families should plan for more cases across Dubbo post-Christmas

Is there enough food in the house, are medical scripts up to date and how would an infected member be separated from the rest of the household are just a few of the issues that are addressed in the Plan C information pack available from the WNSWLHD.

WNSWLHD Acting Chief Executive Mark Spittal said while the western district has geography on its side, the outbreaks in several centres shows there was a shift in where the virus is occurring, with an average of 25 cases a day.

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"Geography is a great defence. We've had significant outbreaks in individual towns but we've largely been able to deal with that on a local level," he said.

"What we're seeing now if you've been watching to numbers for the last few weeks, there is a definite shift of where the outbreaks are occurring, very much around Orange, Cabonne and Bathurst and more recently Mudgee and Gulgong area again.

"Those are areas where we know there is community transmission actively going on.

"We are expecting to see a significant increase in the number of cases in NSW and across our district but I have to stress, COVID-19 in the context of a community that is 96 per cent double vaccinated, is a very, different scenario than it was back in July before vaccination was taken up by the community."

Mr Spittal said the highly transmissible Omicron variant was rapidly becoming the dominant variant across the state but the management strategy won't change with handwashing and sanitising still at the foundation.

The Plan C information pack and checklist can be used to help families prepare for a positive COVID-19 test should it occur.

"It is absolutely certain there will be more cases over our district over the Christmas-New Year period. I can't tell you where they are going to be but I can tell you we're seeing the spread across more and more towns.

"The second thing is we can say for certain is there are things we can do that will reduce the risk.

"Our COVID-19 Care in the Community program will continue to provide support to those who require it in their homes, particularly members of our community who are most at risk or are vulnerable.

"But the vast majority of people who test positive for COVID-19 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."

Mr Spittal said forming a 'Plan C' is just one of the important steps people can take to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities, particularly as the state continues to open up.

"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 COVID-safe 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."

"We recommend getting the entire family tested before travelling and keeping some rapid antigen tests handy while you're away and in your home, use them before going to gatherings or social events.

"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."

The pack includes information on:

For more information on forming your 'Plan C' visit the WNSWLHD website.

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