Similarly, schools and early learning centres will not be listed publicly.

Murrumbidgee Local Health District chief executive Jill Ludford said the changes made to how cases are being reported does not mean they are no longer contact tracing.

"We will contact close contacts directly, they will all receive a text," Ms Ludford said.

"The people who need to know will know in a timely way.

"[With] schools and early learning centres we will contact parents directly if they are a close contact and that's really all we are focusing on.

"It's a bit like not listing all of the venues, we will certainly let you know if there is a school or venue of concern, but otherwise, it's about the people who are the case, protecting their identity."

Ms Ludford said the change is also better for businesses that will no longer have to face the brunt of being listed as an exposure site.

Wagga has reported nine new COVID-19 cases while the region reported 13, three in the Federation LGA and one in the Murray River LGA.

Ms Ludford said although Wagga cases are rising, they are not high.

"What we're finding now is the majority of cases, and all of the cases today in Wagga, are actually linked cases or household contacts," Ms Ludford said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

There are 126 active COVID-19 cases across the region.

Emphasis is also being placed around COVID-19 booster jabs.

Ms Ludford said as we move towards the Christmas period and many are planning on socialising, it is important eligible residents come forward to get their booster jabs.

"The Christmas booster jab needs to be on everybody's agenda- that is the third dose," she said.

"Everyone over the age of 18 can come forward and ask for one once they've completed a six-month interval between their second dose."

Likewise, Ms Ludford is placing emphasis on double vaccination rates among 16 to 18-year-olds.

"We're not there yet, we still have a way to go in terms of double vaccination rates for children," she said.

"We know that children are great spreaders of COVID-19."

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