Businesses came together on Tuesday (September 22) to lock in a plan to keep the region COVID-free with cafes, restaurants and retailers the frontline defence in ensuring COVID compliance.

The rules were reinforced at a meeting of the Hastings Liquor Accord, Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

Do the right thing and we will enjoy a bumper spring holiday period was the key message.

It will be the first major influx of tourists since the December bushfires of 2019 and lockdown restrictions were implemented between the states.

But with no new locally acquired coronavirus cases recorded in NSW for the first time in more than 106 days, the message remains clear - there's no room for complacency.

Liquor Accord president Alistair Flower said it will take just one business to drop the ball and the opportunity to heart-start the local economy will be missed.

"Clearly with an influx of people from Sydney and other areas coming in there is going to be a fear factor and we need to understand that as business owners," Mr Flower said.

"It's very important that we are making sure that we really just re-energise ourselves and we are doing everything we possibly can to stay safe and be compliant so we can be sustainable.

"One rogue operator can ruin it for everyone."

Mr Flower said it is important the message is clear to all staff at every business that the rules around social distancing and venue numbers matter.

The right people need to take charge of managing the frontline and have a zero-tolerance for difficult customer behaviour, he said.

Mayor Peta Pinson said it is an important time for the recovery of business and tourism across the region.

"This is an exciting but very nervous time for all of us. Across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region we are opening our doors very wide to the unknown," Cr Pinson said.

"But what we do know that for close to five months we have had zero cases of the coronavirus. That's a testament to all of us doing the right thing.

"It is everyone's responsibility to ensure that we stay well. We are not immune from the virus, we are just a very low to no transmission state."

Cr Pinson said the rules are clear and concise.

"You are the drivers of our economy, you employ people, you keep our people protected and in jobs.

"The message I really want to give you is your liveliehood is more important than anything. If you have a visitor coming to your business and you're not sure about the origin of where they're coming from you are more than within your right to politely suggest you cannot accommodate them at this time.

"We do want to make people feel welcome, but not at the jeopardy of our industry here."

Council's acting general manager Jeffrey Sharp offered council's support to all business as they welcome thousands of visitors to the area.

Council has launched a simple campaign to remind all people of their responsibilities.

It has also been working with state government agencies to provide support.

Beaches will be patrolled by local lifeguards to educate visitors about social distancing compliance.

Mid North Coast Police District's licensing sergeant John Lawrie said every business has no option but to have a COVID plan in place and implement it without fail.

Sgt Lawrie said there will be no excuse for any business who does not have a plan in place that is made clear and understood by every member of staff.

Wednesday, September 23 will mark 150 days since the last COVID-19 case on the Mid North Coast

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