Of that number, there are currently 11 COVID-19 patients who are being cared for his hospital with one additional patient currently in Intensive Care and receiving ventilation.

In the past 24 hours alone there have been 227 new cases, a steep rise as the Murrumbidgee learns to live with 'COVID normal'.

Griffith currently has 193 cases, with that number set to balloon past 200 in the coming days, whilst Leeton has a considerably lower case load of 27 following its first ever confirmed case just before Christmas.

RELATED || COVID-19 testing demand skyrockets across Murrumbidgee

Testing numbers have been high as anxious community members seek a negative result following increased socialisation and travel over the holiday period.

To cope with the unprecedented demand, NSW Health is set to prioritise clinically urgent testing for hospital patients, healthcare workers, household contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases, people with symptoms of COVID-19 or who have had a positive rapid antigen test, people who have been asked by NSW Health to get tested and emerging priorities such as aged care residents and staff.

Due to the high demand, people should expect to wait over 72 hours for results.

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And whilst frustrated community members continue to wait for results, high levels of vaccination have proven a good deterrent against a virus that has caused so much disruption to everyday life.

97.1 percent of Murrumbidgee residents aged 16 and 81.4 percent of 12 - 15 years old have been fully vaccinated, with children aged between five and 11 set to join in these statistics as vaccination commences for this new demographic from January 10.

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.

Active case numbers by Local Government Area are available on the Service NSW website.

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