Port Macquarie-Hastings businesses are opening their doors to fully vaccinated customers as part of NSW's long-awaited 'freedom day' on Monday, October 11.
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All NSW residents who are fully vaccinated can now visit their local pub, take part in community sport and get a haircut, after 70 per cent of the NSW eligible population received both their jabs.
Those who remain unvaccinated will not be afforded the same freedoms until December 1 - when the state's eligible population is expected to hit 90 per cent fully vaccinated.
Regional travel will not be allowed until 80 per cent (fully vaccinated only), and a booking cap has been introduced for hospitality venues of 20 people per booking.
This means residents from Sydney aren't allowed to travel to the Mid North Coast, or any other regional area in NSW, until the state's eligible population hits 80 per cent fully vaccinated.
Meg and Me Boutique & Espresso owner Lusanna Klotz said the safety measures implemented on Monday, October 11 represented the first step to ensuring community members can enjoy freedoms.
Port Macquarie businesses were able to reopen to the community after the lockdown orders lifted on Wednesday, October 6.
"In the Port Macquarie-Hastings we're known for being such a supportive community and that's what keeps us coming back," Ms Klotz said.
While patrons are required to sign in with their QR codes when they visit a business, there is no way staff can tell if they've travelled from outside a regional area to Port Macquarie.
"We rely on people to do the right thing," Ms Klotz said.
Little Fish Cafe staff member Gabi Schwartzberger said she was looking forward to getting back to work and welcoming fully vaccinated customers through the doors on Monday, October 11.
"We're very excited to be back and we want our customers to feel welcome in a safe environment," she said.
Customers are still required to check in to the cafe with a QR code, in accordance with the NSW Public Health Orders. They also have to wear masks, carry out social distancing (with seating arrangements) and practice good hand hygiene.
"All our tables are outdoors and abide by all the correct requirements in relation to spacing," Ms Schwartzberger said.
"We certainly don't want anyone to get sick and I don't want to be responsible for getting anyone sick, like my family or anyone.
"We're happy to abide by the rules."
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