The success of a mass vaccination centre in Armidale on the weekend has prompted investigations into whether similar centres should be set up in more regional towns.
In total, 565 people lined up to get vaccinated at a pop-up clinic at the University of New England medical centre. It will be open again next Saturday as well.
Further centres at Tamworth, Gunnedah and Inverell are now being considered.
"What we do need to do is think about the region as a whole," Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said.
No new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Armidale or Tamworth in the 24 hours to 8pm yesterday, but Mr Anderson said obeying public health orders remained critical.
Although Tamworth has reported no cases of COVID-19, testing levels have been so low that one drive-through clinic has been closed due to a lack of demand.
Businesses thank loyal locals
When the whole state was plunged into a week-long lockdown on Saturday afternoon it was not a surprise, but it was still a disappointment.
To keep some revenue coming in, many small businesses in the hospitality sector have returned to providing takeaway meals.
"It's a struggle, our loyal customers are still coming out to see us, so it's more the staff that are struggling," said Trent Rush, owner of a bakery café in Armidale.
Mr Rush said his business was prepped and ready to re-open Sunday morning when he heard the news of a statewide lockdown.
"There's about 20 staff that are now without a job until we get through this isolation," he said.
But despite the disappointment, the fact there are no cases was fuelling some optimism, Mr Rush said.
Western NSW still a concern
Further west, hoever, the news was not so good. Tthere were 35 cases reported in Dubbo and Walgett to 8pm Sunday night.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said she had concerns about vaccination rates in areas with large Indigenous populations.
Deputy Premier and Nationals leader John Barilaro also expressed concern for Dubbo and Walgett.
"We know how interconnected those regions and communities are, so please follow the health orders, the stay-at-home orders and try to minimise mobilisation," Mr Barilaro said.
