ACCOMMODATION will be established in Bathurst from next week for those with COVID, or close contacts, unable to isolate at home.
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But the move hasn't been without controversy, as the Western Advocate received reports from the community that some of those already living at the site earmarked for the accommodation were being moved out hurriedly.
The Western Advocate has chosen not to identify the location to respect the privacy of past and future residents.
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Western NSW Local Health District chief executive Scott McLachlan said, during his daily update on Friday, that accommodation for COVID patients was crucial.
"We're looking right around the region for the need for these facilities," he said.
"We've already got facilities up and running in Dubbo and Bourke. Early next week we'll see a new facility open up in Bathurst.
"Those are safe places where we'll help people find safe accommodation if they can't be accommodated in their own home and don't want to cross-contaminate other people in the home.
"We've got a specialist team helping the hotels and motels and other venues to assist the facility to make sure we have all the right things in place to keep people safe with a good clinical team to provide meals and other support services."
The Advocate received calls on Friday saying that some of those who had been living at the location - including people with disabilities - were concerned about the speed with which they were being asked to move out and what new arrangements would be in place.
Mr McLachlan addressed the matter during his media briefing.
"We'll do everything to make sure there's alternative accommodation for those people [currently at the location]," he said.
"We don't want to see people put out.
"This is a time to protect some of those vulnerable people who are infectious with COVID.
"We understand there'll be some tension and issues. We'll do everything we can to minimise and help people through that."
The Advocate contacted Member for Bathurst Paul Toole and the NSW Department of Family and Community Services about the new arrangements for those at the location, but had not heard back from Mr Toole by print deadline.
The Department of Family and Community Services directed the Advocate back to the Department of Health.
The Western NSW Local Health District later clarified that it was "not involved in liaising with current guests or residents" of the site earmarked for accommodation.
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