In the 24 hours to 8pm on Wednesday night there were 65 new cases in the Western NSW Local Health District. It's the highest number in the district since the pandemic began.

In addition to Dubbo, there were 14 cases in Orange (one with a Cabonne address), eight in the Mid-Western local government area, three in the Cabonne local government area, three in Coonabarabran, three in Bathurst, two in Blayney, and one apiece in Cobar, Forbes, Walgett and Wellington.

However, only one of the Western NSW LHD cases is currently in hospital.

There are two venues of concern for Dubbo.

Anyone who visited the Amaroo Hotel on Macquarie Street between 4pm and 3am on Saturday, December 18 or between 9pm and 11pm on Sunday. December 18 needs to monitor for COVID symptoms and get a test if any develop.

The same applies for the Pastoral Hotel on the night of Friday, December 17, between 11.30pm and 3am.

Across NSW there were 5715 cases identified in the 24 hours.

Across the state 347 people with the virus are in hospital, with 45 in intensive care.

The number was found off the back of 160,471 tests.

The state government is weighing up mailing out free rapid antigen tests and appears likely to reintroduce QR codes, but mandating masks appears off the table despite health advice.

Testing at the Dubbo Showground is currently available between 8am and 4pm, however the hours will be altered during the Christmas and New Year break.

Western NSW LHD acting chief executive Mark Spittal said while there would be closures on public holidays, there were still opportunities to get tested.

"Our vaccination and testing staff have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic and many will take the opportunity for a short, but well-deserved break to spend time with loved ones," Mr Spittal said.

However, he said the health district would establish pop-up testing clinics in areas where they were needed. The Western NSW Local Health District website and social media pages will keep people updated.

"Our hospital testing clinics will also be closed on public holidays. There will be opportunities to be tested through emergency departments but I urge communities to only present to EDs for testing if it is necessary, we need our hospitals at full capacity," Mr Spittal said.

"Our emergency departments will continue operate 24 hours a day over this period for any people suffering serious injury or illness, so communities need to be aware that ED staff must prioritise patients in that setting.

"There will also be a focus on providing testing for people who are unwell or showing symptoms, so there may be a long wait for testing. All testing will be conducted safely and separately."

Unscheduled and emergency surgery will continue to be performed across the holiday period, as will essential procedures such as renal dialysis. But Mr Spittal said the level of elective surgery typically reduced over Christmas and New Year.

"No matter the setting, we ask that everyone in the community please be patient with healthcare staff and follow their guidance. They will not only be doing their best, but they'll be doing so instead of spending Christmas or New Year with their loved ones," he said.

Mr Spittal also encouraged communities to continue practicing fundamental, COVID-19 safe behaviours as part of their daily routine, particularly as movement increases while people travel in the holiday period.

"With more movement around the District, the risk of COVID-19 spreading will increase too and it's now up to all of us as individuals to play our role in helping to stop that spread," he said.

"The pandemic is not over, but the way we live with it is changing so we urge everyone in our communities to continue being COVID-safe, particularly during the holiday period and especially if you are visiting people who might be vulnerable.

"Part of self-responsibility is to take sensible precautions. We recommend that on top of wearing a mask wherever it is mandatory, people make the choice to do so when around crowds in indoor settings like supermarkets, shopping centres or bottle shops.

"We also urge everyone to continue washing and sanitising their hands regularly, continuing to check in and check out using QR codes wherever that is required and, if they feel unwell, to stay at home and organise to be tested immediately.

"Get the entire family tested before you travel and please be patient at testing clinics if there is a queue. It is also a good idea to have some rapid antigen tests handy while you are travelling, and if you plan to attend social events.

"Form a plan should you, loved ones or anyone in your household test positive for COVID-19. Make a checklist so you know what to do and how to be prepared for isolation."

Our COVID-19 news articles relating to public health and safety are free for anyone to access. However, we depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.