Announced this morning, those working in the food logistics and manufacturing sector will be permitted to leave self-isolation and attend work if they present no symptoms of the virus.

NSW Health says the exemption intends to ensure the state has continued access to essential goods, with the impacts of supply shortages being felt right across the country.

These workers must comply with risk-management strategies put in place by their employer which include wearing a mask and performing a daily Rapid Antigen Test.

As of 8pm on Saturday, 30,062 people in NSW were diagnosed with the virus while testing rates fell to 98,986 conducted within 24 hours following new amendments to PCR testing guidelines.

The deaths of 16 people have been reported overnight while hospitalisation rates continue to rise with 1,927 COVID-19 patients admitted, 151 of whom require intensive care and 38 of those requiring ventilation.

The Australia Medical Association (AMA) have called for "proper investment" to support hospitals and staff amid fears the Omicron peak is still weeks away.

AMA President Omar Khorshid expressed his concerns via Twitter, calling for improved telehealth access, more rapid antigen tests and funding to help medical staff cope with the rising number of hospitalisations.

NSW has reported 455,340 cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic in 2020.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Across NSW, 95.1 per cent of people aged 16 and over have received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 93.7 per cent have received two doses.

Of the people aged 12 to 15, 81.5 per cent have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 78.1 per cent have received two doses.

Boosters will now be included as part of the mandatory vaccination requirements which are already in place for front line workers and teachers.

The NSW Government is also encouraging the state's youth to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, with children aged five to 11-year-old to be eligible to receive their jabs from Monday.

Vaccinations can be booked at more than 100 providers across the Riverina by using healthdirect.gov.au.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, sore throat, cough, headache, runny nose, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches or pains, and a change in taste or smell.

For further testing locations across the district go to www.mlhd.health.nsw.gov.au, or for help accessing a test, call the Murrumbidgee COVID-19 Hotline 1800 831 099.

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