Testing rates remain high as do vaccination rates, a number of which is due to be bolstered as children aged 5-11 started receiving their vaccinations this week ahead of their return to school on January 28.

Across the MLHD 23 patients are being cared for in dedicated COVID-19 wards, with four patients in the Intensive Care Unit, two of whom are ventilated.

A man in his 70s has unfortunately passed away after contracting COVID-19 at Wagga Base Hospital.

The number of active cases across the MLHD has also continued to grow, to 4,175, bringing the total number of cases confirmed since July 1 to 5,712.

In the last seven days alone 3,468 new cases across the MLHD.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 on a rapid antigen or PCR test you must:

You can only leave self-isolation after seven days if you do not have a sore throat, runny nose, cough or shortness of breath. You do not need to have a negative test to exit isolation.

Your household contacts must also self-isolate for seven days and have a rapid antigen test as soon as possible and again on day six.

If you develop severe symptoms after testing positive to COVID-19 (particularly severe headaches or dizziness, difficulty breathing, chest pressure or pain), please call Triple Zero (000) straight away and tell the ambulance staff that you have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

READ MORE

If you are yet to receive your COVID-19 vaccine or are due for your booster shot please visit the COVID-19 vaccine clinic finder to locate your nearest vaccine provider.

For testing locations across the MLHD please visit www.mlhd.health.nsw.gov.au, or for additional help accessing a test call the Murrumbidgee COVID hotline on 1800 831 099.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: