A Western New South Wales health chief warns the Dubbo's Delta outbreak is reaching a "very concerning level" as the region records another 36 COVID cases.
Dubbo continues to be the epicentre of the outbreak with 23 new cases to 8:00pm last night.
Five were detected in Parkes, while Gilgandra, Bourke and Wellington each recorded two infections and Narromine had one new case.
The region's health chief says the virus "continues to ravage across Western NSW", with the "vast majority" of new cases infectious while in the community.
"It's getting to a very concerning level where we know that growing numbers of cases infectious in the community means the potential further spread of this virus across the whole of Western NSW," said Western Local Health District chief executive Scott McLachlan.
In the far west of the state, Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said a multi-agency response was underway in response to 14 new cases in Wilcannia.
"We're trying to ring-fence those rural and remote communities," she said.
Outbreak puts 'real pressure' on health system
With the Western NSW outbreak now entering the third week, about 20 people have recovered from the virus.
"The active cases aren't growing as quickly as they have in previous days," Mr McLachlan said.
Thirteen patients are in hospital with four in ICU and one requiring ventilation.
Also, 156 health staff are now in isolation after being identified as close contacts.
"We will need extra support in the coming weeks."
Mixed testing numbers
Testing rates have increased across the region with 8,200 swabs taken.
Mr McLachlan said rates in Bourke were "worryingly low" and he appealed for higher testing numbers in Bathurst and Goodooga.
"The turnaround times are still pretty quick."
There were 130 penalty infringement notices issued across the western region, including 30 in Dubbo.
"[That] remains not good enough," said Police Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie.
He urged people to avoid travelling from Dubbo to small communities.
