A regional doctor has sent out a message to people to get vaccinated and tested as the COVID-19 Delta variant cuts a swathe through NSW.
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Khyarne Biles has posted a simple but heartfelt image on Facebook of herself and three colleagues with the labels of what their roles would be in someone's death from COVID-19, including informing the family, performing chest compressions, putting a breathing tube down someone's throat and informing family they can't come into the hospital.
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The post, created on Saturday, has gone viral around Central West NSW and beyond.
Along with the image is the message of what could happen to resources in regional NSW.
"In the last 24 hours, for every 40,000 in Sydney their rate of COVID positive cases was three. If we move to Dubbo it was 26. Right now our rate of COVID positive cases is over eight times that of Sydney," Dr Biles said.
"We have limited resources available in regional NSW. At some point our need will exceed what is available. Tough decisions will be made. People will get sick they may need (a heart and lung bypass) this requires being in a metropolitan area. This takes time, time you may not have. People will die."
Dr Biles has stressed the importance of getting tested and vaccinated.
"What can you do? Get tested, it's free, fast and effective at tracing the spread and cutting it off at the source. Get vaccinated, stay at home and limit unnecessary contact. Wash your hands, wear a mask and be kind," she said.