Orange, Cabonne and Blayney councils in western NSW, about 250 kms from Sydney, has become the first regional centre to be locked down since March 2020 when the Premier announced a statewide lockdown.

NSW Health had identified Molong and Orange as areas of concern when three removalists from Greater Sydney worked in the area after testing positive for COVID-19.

Molong has a population of around 1700 people and is only 30 kms from Orange so residents make regular shopping trips to Orange.

The lockdown begins at midnight tonight for seven days following the first positive case of community transmission.

NSW Health earlier this evening announced 5 new close contact venues in Orange including Officeworks, Woolworths and Pizza Hut.

This is of significance for residents in the Northern Rivers because of close contact venues announced recently in Chinderah and today in Coffs Harbour. We are one positive case away from a lockdown.

To reduce the risk of this happening, make sure that you wear a mask in all indoor venues and sign in using your NSW Service QR Code or physically sign in if you don't have a smartphone.

NSW Health has released a statement this afternoon saying that all employers in regional NSW must allow people to work from home where reasonably practicable.

If you have any symptoms like a sore throat, runny nose and temperature get a COVID test immediately.