Low COVID testing numbers despite “disturbing” amount of cases

POP-UP COVID-19 testing clinics in Dareton, Gol Gol and Wentworth were quiet on Monday despite calls for people in regional NSW to come forward for testing.

Far West Local Health District was still tallying total testing numbers on Monday afternoon, but the Gol Gol site had only had about 10 people through by 2pm, according to reports.

NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant labelled Monday’s case numbers “disturbing”, after a new record of 478 people tested positive for COVID-19 in NSW in the 24 hours to 8pm Sunday.

“It is critical that we all heed and take part in the actions we’re required to undertake,” she said.

“I’m particularly concerned at the moment around Dubbo and the impact COVID is having on Aboriginal communities in Dubbo.

“Also that the fact that Aboriginal vaccination levels are not as high as I would like to see them.

“Just to be aware, we are working with the commonwealth to increase opportunities for vaccination in impacted areas in western New South Wales.

According to the latest vaccination data provided by the Federal Government, just 16.3 per cent of people aged 15 and over in the far west NSW have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the lowest rate in the state and below the national average.

“Stay home and leave your home for the most minimum of time and every time you’re out and about, assume you have the infection or that you will come in contact with someone may have the infection,” Dr Chant said.

“Too many people are infectious in the community.”