COVID-19 case numbers are once again rising in New South Wales' central west, with hospital workers and school children caught up in the latest clusters.
Five healthcare staff at Orange have contracted the virus and 31 other workers are also in isolation as a precaution.
The Western NSW Local Health District (LHD) confirmed none of the positive cases contracted the virus in the hospital setting.
In the LHD, 38 new COVID cases have been found in the latest reporting period.
It is the highest daily number since October, when the region's Delta outbreak was unfolding.
Of those, there are 12 in both Orange and Bathurst, four each at Dubbo and Molong, two in Blayney and one each at Forbes, Mudgee, Oberon and Trangie.
COVID numbers will rise
In a statement, the LHD said as the holiday period kicked off so would COVID.
The spike came a day after mask wearing and restrictions for unvaccinated people eased in NSW, which is on the brink of reaching the 95 per cent double dose vaccination rate.
Despite people being afforded greater freedoms heading into Christmas, the local health authority warned indoor mask-wearing and QR check-ins were still necessary.
"As the state continues to open up, it is up to all of us as individuals to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities," the spokesperson said.
Those who had their second vaccine five months ago are being told to book in for a booster as soon as possible.
School outbreak grows
A cluster at the Orange Christian School has grown to 29 cases.
The K-12 school was told two parents had the virus last Thursday.
Since then eight adults and 21 students have tested positive but staff members remain in the clear.
Principal Ken Greenwood said most infections are among children in years 3 and 4, and all cases are limited to the primary school.
The vaccination status of the students is not known but the virus is mostly spreading among children under 12 years old, an age group not eligible for a dose until January 10.
"Fortunately to this point none of the symptoms of the students have been very significant," he said.
Students have been on holidays for one week, and he said that distance should help slow the spread of the virus among the community.
"It's certainly better to happen at this time than when school is in full swing from the point of view of transmission," he said.
