UPDATED January 6, 2022: 524 cases across the region: 78 in Orange; Bathurst numbers spike

By Peter Holmes

File photo.

Six people died in NSW from Covid-related illness in the 24-hour period to 8pm on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.

There were 34,994 new cases statewide (down from 35,054).

There were 111,231 tests conducted, up from 108,844.

ICU wards had 131 patients, up from 119.

ADVERTISEMENT

There were 1,609 people hospitalised, up from 1,491.

In the Western NSW Local Health District there were 524 new cases, up from 501 in the previous 24-hour reporting period.

There were 15 patients in hospital (down from 16), including two ICU patients (stable).

"Confirmed cases remain high across the region, but it's likely there are more undiagnosed cases in our communities," said NSW Health.

"Regardless of the confirmed number in your town, plan what your COVID-safety measures are and practice them at all times."

Up to 8pm last night there were 524 new cases identified in the following local government areas (LGA) in the Western NSW Local Health District:

Bathurst - 120 (up from 49) Blayney - 10 (down from 12) Bourke - 2 Cabonne - 7 (including 3 Molong; 2 Canowindra); down from 17 Cobar - 4 Coonamble - 8 Cowra - 16 Dubbo- 186 (inc 6 Wellington) Forbes - 11 (down from 15) Gilgandra - 6 Lachlan - 2 Mid-Western - 19 (including 12 Mudgee); down from 34 Narromine - 14 Oberon - 1 Orange - 78 (down from 83) Parkes - 18 (including 2 Trundle) Walgett - 4 (inc 3 Lightning Ridge) Warren - 7 Warrumbungle - 10 (including 5 Coonabarabran; 3 Dunedoo) Weddin - 1

For a full list of testing clinics visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/stay-safe/testing/clinics

NSW HEALTH ADVICE

1. Get your COVID-19 vaccinations, including having your booster shot.

2. Wear a mask indoors.

3. Wash and sanitise your hands frequently.

4. practice physical distancing and avoid crowds or gatherings where you are aren't able to.

5. Use QR codes.

6. Be particularly careful around older people, or people with health conditions. 7. Plan ahead - have a plan ready for if you, or someone in your household, needs to self-isolate with COVID-19, or while waiting for test results.