Cowra Records Zero New Cases As Full Vaccination Rate Surpasses 80%

IMAGE: WNSWLHD’s Paul Cooper with Cowra Mayor Bill West at the drive through testing clinic during its first week.

Cowra’s COVID-19 is looking better by the day, with the Shire having recorded zero new cases of COVID-19 for more than a week straight, however the Western NSW Local Health District has urged locals not to get complacent.

It comes as Cowra’s vaccination rate surpassed 80%, making it one of the most vaccinated shires in Western NSW with a first dose rate of > 95%, and a second dose rate of 84.1% as of Monday this week.

Cowra’s last recorded case was on Sunday October 10, when it recorded three new cases with one infectious in the community, reportedly a member of the Mulyan Public School community.

This had seemingly put a lid on a three week outbreak that saw 59 cases recorded in the shire, the only outbreak in Cowra during the entire pandemic.

However, WNSWLHD CEO Scott McLachlan said it’s important for residents to follow the restrictions still in place and not get carried away.

“It’s encouraging to see case numbers declining but we simply cannot afford to think we’ve done enough,” WNSWLHD Chief Executive Scott McLachlan said.

“We’re moving into a critical period as our state continues opening up, stopping the spread of COVID-19 will now come down to common sense more so than any rules or restrictions in place.” “Everyone has a responsibility to help stop the spread of COVID-19, so I’d encourage everyone to think about what they can do individually – get tested regularly, wear a mask if you think it’s appropriate even if it isn’t mandatory, be careful in the way you interact with others and even consider if you’ll be comfortable and safe attending large gather-ings like weddings.”

“I’d like to see that rate of fully vaccinated people well above 90 per cent, so if you haven’t made a move to get vaccinated please do so as a priority.”

The WNSWLHD has processed 7601 COVID-19 tests in Cowra since September 17, just before the start of the out-break.

At the time of writing drive through testing was still available at the Cowra Showground from 10am to 12pm, however this was under review after yesterday’s testing.

Testing is also available at the Kendal Street Medical Centre from 8:30am - 12:30pm.

Bookings are mandatory on 6341 1400.