The countdown to reopening is officially on, with the state set to reach the 70 per cent double vaccinated target, and with it a return to some normality, on Monday, October 11.
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But only people who had received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine would be able to access the new freedoms.
Nelligen's Steampacket Hotel co-owner Brad Alvey said he was apprehensive about the reopening.
He said after businesses had been impacted by Greater Sydney's extended lockdown and the stay-at-home orders in the Eurobodalla Shire they shouldn't now be expected to police people's vaccination status.
"Everyone working here is vaccinated but as for our customers, we'll have to rely on people to do the right thing," Mr Alvey said.
"Through this lockdown we've been lucky to make 20 per cent of what we usually would thanks to takeaway, but we can't afford to turn people away.
"Is the government going to compensate businesses for that?"
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Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Liz Innes agreed the onus of policing who had received a vaccine should not be put on business owners.
"On top of the devastation from the last 18 months, businesses will now have to ensure people entering the premises are vaccinated and I'm asking the state government to reconsider the impacts of this," she said.
"I'm begging people to be kind and considerate through these times, because there is an element of an 'us and them' with vaccinated versus not, but we are all in this together."
The official advice from NSW Health said businesses must take "reasonable measures" to stop unvaccinated people entering their premises.
This includes having prominent signs stating vaccine requirements, Service NSW QR check-in codes, staff checking vaccination status upon entry and only accepting valid forms of vaccination evidence.
Fines of up to $1000 for individuals and $5000 for businesses may apply to anyone who does not comply.
A bit of love and compassion goes a long way.
- Steampacket Hotel co-owner Brad Alvey
Mogo Wildlife Park zookeeper Chad Staples said staff were eager to welcome people back and, given the high vaccination rates in the shire, most people would be able to enjoy having fewer restrictions.
"There's a real lack of energy in a wildlife park when you don't have visitors there to enjoy it, so we're really looking forward to it," he said
"We'll have a COVID marshal out in the lines checking people have got their vaccine proof and we will signpost to let everybody know about the health mandate, but I feel like there won't be anyone who doesn't know what's required," he said.
Narooma Chamber of Commerce and Tourism president Dr Jenny Munro said with freedom day fast approaching, help was available for business owners.
"Members of the local chamber have access to the Business NSW workplace advice line, which is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm on the free number 132 959," she said.
"Each business is eligible for three free phone calls with a specialist lawyer or HR person, who can help with questions or issues."
Despite his apprehension, Mr Alvey said he was looking forward to bringing live music back to the Steampacket, with gigs fully booked for the weekend following October 11.
"A bit of love and compassion goes a long way. What everyone needs right now is some good times and that's why we've put the bands on for the first weekend after lockdown ends," he said.
"Moving forward we want to put on as much live music as we can. Let's be joyous, get together and forget about all we've been through.
"Let's try to move on and have some good times."
I'm a journalist for the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner and Narooma News. Got a tip? Email maeve.bannister@austcommunitymedia.com.au
I'm a journalist for the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner and Narooma News. Got a tip? Email maeve.bannister@austcommunitymedia.com.au
