And testing rates have dropped at similar levels at all local government areas across the Northern Tablelands.

As testing rates drop off, Hunter New England Health public health physician David Durrheim said now is not the time to become complacent.

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"With the start of spring, it is very likely that people will get some symptoms and what we are concerned about is that people immediately ascribe those to blossoms,," Dr Durrheim said.

"We shouldn't do that this year. Any tickle in the nose, scratchy throat, cough ... we really should be taking that seriously. A little bit of complacency has set in."

Authorities are concerned about widespread COVID-19 sewage detection in regional NSW, including Tamworth and Gunnedah despite no known cases in those communities.

NSW added 1116 cases in the 24 hours to 8pm on Tuesday evening. The state had 148,000 people vaccinated on Tuesday and more than 170,000 tests.

On Wednesday NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro announced that carpooling would be made available in rural and regional NSW for some workers under a public health order amendment.

The move is designed to recognise that agricultural workers face very different circumstances to those living in Sydney, he said.

"Living in regional communities and working in ag industries that underpin them presents a unique set of logistical challenges, including having to travel vast distances," Mr Barilaro said.

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Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Western NSW Adam Marshall said it would offer a huge benefit without compromising the intent of lockdowns.

"I have heard of abattoir workers, shearers and fruit pickers not being able to get to work as they don't have a car or a licence, which will have a profound flow-on effect for the agricultural supply chain," Mr Marshall said.

Rural and regional NSW residents who have not been in Greater Sydney in the previous 14 days are eligible as long as they have received their first vaccine dose or will receive it before September 10.

They must use a vehicle arranged by an employer for transporting staff to and from work, sign in through Service NSW, wear a face mask at all times and keep windows down to circulate outside air where practicable.

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