Delta outbreak takes hold of Wilcannia
Overcrowded housing and long waits for testing results in the Far Western, majority Indigenous town of Wilcannia is hampering efforts to contain the spread of the virus in the community. As the outbreak grows Wilcannia has recorded six new cases* of the virus overnight. As the total number of cases in the Far West NSW sits at forty-nine,** locals are concerned the real number of infections in the vulnerable town of 750 people could be much higher. Reports have emerged there were major delays in the returning of test results with swabs failing to be processed over the weekend. Isolating positive cases at home is proving an additional challenge to reducing the transmission of the virus where in many cases up to ten family members live together. A shortage of basic supplies is creating additional worry for the community.
*Update Aug 26: 5 new cases, Wilcannia (49)
** Total cases, Far West region (55)