Two aged care residents have died in Albury and, in the 24 hours to Thursday morning, Albury Wodonga Health reported that another 11 people had returned positive results.

The numbers are steadily growing, with 61 active COVID-19 cases across the health service's catchment and moves being made to create a COVID-dedicated hospital ward.

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While our vaccination rates are extremely high, for many parents there is the escalating concern about the vulnerability of non-vaccinated children.

Repeated studies have shown that children aged 11 and under, who for now are not able to access a vaccine, are the least at risk of developing serious illness from the coronavirus.

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Nevertheless, that isn't necessarily of comfort with an illness that for many of us appears completely random in the manner it which it strikes.

This concerning situation has developed just as authorities have stepped away from the possibility of a return to lockdown.

That is not to say such a thing will not happen - especially if case numbers keep growing and health services become overstretched - but for now what we have is a combination of vaccinations and continuing to exercise social distancing.

Business NSW Riverina-Murray regional manager Anthony McFarlane has now called for a greater effort to source scarce rapid antigen test kits for Border businesses.

The benefits are clear, Mr McFarlane says, pointing out that casual contacts who have a rapid antigen can test each day until seven days after their last contact with a COVID-positive person.

Crucially, they then do not have to have a regular PCR test or go into isolation, which in turn would allow businesses to get that staff member back on the job far sooner.

The kits are no silver bullet but could still play an extremely valuable part in our ongoing battle with COVID-19.

It is therefore imperative that governments make a greater effort to source the kits, or at least cover the cost for business.

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