Zero COVID-19 cases in Health District as local vaccination rate hits 88 per cent

There are no cases in hospital or requiring intensive care.

But Western NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Scott McLachlan is warning against complacency as restrictions are eased and people move between Greater Sydney and regional NSW for the first time in months.

Mr McLachlan said while it is important to mark the milestone, communities must remain vigilant to ensure COVID-19 is not allowed to spread widely as restrictions continue to ease.

"Today marks the first time since August 10 that zero new cases have been identified in the previous 24 hours, which is positive news and I want to thank our entire community," Mr McLachlan said.

"But even now we can't afford to think we've done enough. There was zero known cases recorded, but we have to assume COVID-19 is still creeping around our communities. We also still have more than 60 people in our COVID Care in the Community program."

Those include cases in Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo regional (which includes Wellington) and Cowra as well as the MidWestern Regional Council area, Bourke and Narromine.

"As regional travel restrictions ease we are expecting a big influx of visitors to the District and with increased movement comes a higher chance of COVID-19 spreading," Mr McLachlan said.

"Stopping that spread now comes down to us as individuals more than it does rules or restrictions.

"So I'm urging everyone to continue doing everything you can to make sure you, your loved ones and your community is safe.

"Vaccination is the most important way we can do that and even though our District's vaccination rates are among the best in the state, we need to continue that effort to get as much coverage as possible.

"Based on our current projections it's likely our District will hit 90 per cent fully-vaccinated by the end of this week. For those aged 16 and over, we're hopeful of hitting at least 94 per cent by the end of November."

More than 95 per cent of Forbes and Parkes residents have had their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and more than 88 per cent are fully vaccinated.

The exact numbers are 88.2 per cent of Parkes residents as of Monday, November 1 and 88.4 per cent of Forbes residents.

Cabonne - including Manildra and Eugowra - has reached 94.4 per cent first dose and 88.1 per cent double dose.

Dubbo regional is up to 92.5 per cent fully vaccinated and Orange 94.2 per cent fully vaccinated.

"Every single dose of vaccine administered matters and to see so many people coming forward is terrific. But some areas of our District still haven't quite hit the 80 per cent mark yet and we don't want anyone left behind," Mr McLachlan said.

"So please, if you haven't already done so, book in to get vaccinated as a priority at a WNSWLHD clinic or hub, or through a GP, pharmacy, Aboriginal Medical Service or respiratory clinic.

"If you've only had one dose, make sure you get the second to have that full protection against COVID-19. As they become available and you need them, please look out for opportunities to get your booster shots as well, or a third dose if you are among the eligible groups for those.

"Keep being safe in the way you interact with other people, get tested regularly if required, wear a mask if you think it's appropriate even if it isn't mandatory, keep up good hand hygiene and look for out for another.

"Recording zero new cases is a wonderful step for our District but we want to continue moving forward and we all have a responsibility to help do that and to keep each other safe."

Up to 8pm on Monday 1 November, there has been 1,625 confirmed cases of COVID-19 across WNSWLHD since the beginning of the most-recent outbreak and 13 people have died.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccination visit WNSWLHD's website.