Western NSW LHD chief executive, Scott McLachlan, was asked on Friday whether the recently revealed roadmap out of lockdown was being led more by the government or by health officials.

In response, he said: "We know that the economic benefits and other things that have driven that (easing of lockdown restrictions) are so crucial in our communities.

"Things will change as we gather in bigger numbers and go to different businesses to gather.

"The changes that are coming are necessary for us as a society and it is going to be crucial that we all play a role in that.

"What's the most critical thing for us now is when you leave your house, what are the things you do to protect yourself and others from picking up and spreading COVID."

Mr McLachlan added that with an easing of restrictions came a greater opportunity for COVID to spread.

"We are now reaching the point where restrictions are eased early next week which is necessary," he said.

"That's intentional and being guided by government and a lot of thought going into what the right steps and the moves for us as a community, us as a region and as individuals.

"That does present a lot of opportunity for economic recovery, but also it does raise the risk of the spread of COVID-19. We know that in the coming days and weeks there will be COVID continuing to spread through our region."

Much to the relief of communities around the Central West, Mr McLachlan said he expected all towns in the region to come out of lockdown as expected on October 11.

"There are clearly some new risks in Bathurst, Dubbo, Wellington and Walgett with the new cases. They're not new locations, obviously where we've got stay at home orders," he said.

"That will need to be continued to analysed and reviewed, what's the rate of the cases and the growth of each town, to help us figure out if there is real risk to the community."

On Friday it was announced that Orange recorded a new COVID case up to 8pm on Thursday.

This was the fifth one for the city this week.

The latest case was not infectious in the community.

It is not yet known if this new case is linked to any of the three cases recorded for Orange on Wednesday, or the one which was recorded on Monday.

Across the health district, the number of new cases announced Friday had more than doubled compared to the day prior.

There were 16 new cases in total. Up to 8pm last night these were identified in Bathurst (5), Bourke (1), Dubbo (6), Wellington (2), Oberon (1) and Orange (1).

The most recent exposure sites listed in Orange are the Ex-Services' Club in Anson Street on Friday, October 1 from 8:15pm to 9:30pm; Perry Oval Take-Away in Clinton Street on Thursday, September 30 from 11:30am to 11:45am; Ashcroft's IGA, Peisley Street on Saturday, October 2 from 6:20pm to 6:55pm; Aldi. Peisley Street on Saturday, October 2 from 5:20pm to 6:15pm; 7-Eleven in Bathurst Road on Friday, October 1 from 8:05pm to 8:10pm and The Ophir Hotel, Glenroi Avenue on Friday, October 1 from 9:45pm to 11:30pm.

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