Leeton businesses have been doing the best they can to follow COVID safe protocols, one saying that the requirements to enter their shop fronts has proven more challenging than lockdown.
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As NSW reached 70 percent double vaccination, Greater Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong reopened after four months shut down.
The regions however have now been 'closed down' according to some local business owners who have criticised the government for putting towns like Leeton on the same roadmap out of lockdown.
Currently, only fully vaccinated people may enter non essential businesses to purchase product or access a service and show their vaccination certificate to staff.
Stir Expresso Owner Michael Nardi said that since the rule change came into effect on October 11, his business had been 'very quiet'.
"A lot of people either refuse to show their vaccination certificate or just aren't vaxxed at all," Mr Nardi said.
"We don't want to kick anyone out or refuse service but we also don't want our staff, the business or our customers to get a fine.
I would have liked to say anyone could come in but in these time times we have to be seen to be doing the right thing."
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The Leeton Shire has high vaccination rates with over 50 percent of the community now vaccinated.
And whilst those choosing now to get vaccinated are in the minority, there are still plenty of residents who are still waiting for their second shot of AstraZeneca.
"After the government took away our access to Pfizer a few months ago, a lot of people were left in the lurch and now they are unable to access shops and services until then which is really difficult for us," Mr Nardi said.
"I'd just hate to see COVID-19 take us down but we have been thrown into the unknown.
We just want the community to stay safe and stay positive during these tough times."
More information about the Roadmap for the easing of COVID-19 restrictions can be found here.
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