So, you're settling in for another chilly winter evening, maybe flicking through the local news, when the familiar reminder pops up again – COVID cases are on the rise.

It's not the headline any of us particularly want to see, but here we are.

NSW Health released their latest figures last week, showing 3475 people tested positive for the virus – that's a 10 per cent jump from the week before.

And if that wasn't enough to keep the health authorities on their toes, influenza levels are sitting at moderate levels right across the state.

Dr Jeremy McAnulty from Health Protection NSW put it simply: COVID is circulating at moderate levels in our communities.

The concerning bit? The biggest increase is happening among our most vulnerable – people aged 90 and over.

What's particularly telling is that these 3475 cases probably represent just the tip of the iceberg.

Most people with COVID these days don't bother testing, so the real numbers are likely much higher than what's being reported.

The timing couldn't be more frustrating for local event organisers. Over in Menindee, the much-anticipated 60s night at Sunset Strip has had to be pushed back to August due to the rising numbers of both COVID and flu cases making their way through the community.

"Organisers are sorry for any inconvenience," came the announcement, though you can bet they're just as disappointed as everyone who was looking forward to dusting off their dancing shoes and reliving those classic tunes.

It's a reminder that we're still very much in this together, even as life feels more normal than it has in years.

The health authorities are making their renewed plea for vaccination – not because they want to be the fun police, but because they're seeing the numbers climb week after week since May.

For now, the Sunset Strip crew will be working on new dates for August, and the rest of us will be keeping an eye on those case numbers, hoping they start heading in the other direction soon.

In the meantime, it might be worth checking if your vaccinations are up to date – especially if you're planning on any winter gatherings of your own.