Hunter tourism operators have reported cancellation rates as high as 20 per cent as uncertainty about Sydney's Northern Beaches COVID outbreak threatens to ruin Christmas.
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Hospitality venues also reported cancellations with many planned family gatherings curtailed by people again becoming wary of venturing out.
"Last Friday was normal for this time of year but things went quiet on Saturday and Sunday," Tea Gardens Hotel owner Ben Hanson said.
"We have had a few cancellations for accommodation over the weekend.
"We had next to no trade at Easter. Boxing Day is traditionally our busiest day but I'm not holding my breath. To be honest, I'm very nervous"
There were 15 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 announced on Monday, all linked to the Avalon cluster in Sydney's Northern Beaches. At least 83 infections have now been directly linked to the Sydney outbreak.
The Queensland government announced on Monday that it was closing its border to Sydneysiders until at least January 8
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No cases have been detected in the Hunter to date, despite a public health alert for those who attended a Raymond Terrace McDonald's on December 15.
Almost 4350 people were tested in the Hunter in the week ending December 20, close to 300 more tests than the week before.
NSW chief health officer, Dr Kerry Chant, said this outbreak should not be considered just a Northern Beaches issue.
"We need people to help us identify undiagnosed cases elsewhere," she said.
"Anyone with symptoms needs to come forward for testing."
It came as Deputy Premier, John Barilaro, called for calm and asked Sydney residents to reconsider travel plans to rural and regional NSW.
"There is no doubt there is anxiety in the regions as people flock to the regions for their Christmas break, and we encourage that, but we already have in place the restrictions that minimise the risk," he said.
"And that is, if you're from the Northern Beaches, you cannot travel to the regions. Those living in the outer metro area of Sydney, be mature, be understanding that you could cause some level of risk and anxiety in the region. And if you have any symptoms, please get tested, change your travel plans, and not visit regional NSW right now until we get on top of this thing."
Mr Barilaro said Sydney-siders already in regional and rural NSW should self-isolate, and "take responsibility".
"Our health system in the regions can manage this, but what we dont want is them to be overwhelmed," he said.
"We are on top of this, but the truth is, we still need to take responsibility.
"If you're not feeling well, get checked."
Tea Gardens resident Gordon Grainger estimated about 30 per cent of holiday accommodation bookings in the area were from Sydney's Northern Beaches.
"My bet is a lot of them are here already," he said.
Like Nelson Bay, tourism is critical to the area's economy.
"We were looking forward to finally getting things back on track at Christmas but now it looks like it's going to be a disaster," he said.
"The ferries were full this time last week now they are empty."
Mr Grainger said an additional testing station needed to set up Karuah or Tea Gardens.
Hunter Business Chamber chief executive Bob Hawes said businesses and customers affected by the latest COVID outbreak were understandably frustrated, but the community's safety needed to be the highest priority.
"We were all hoping this Christmas be an opportunity for families and communities to come together and put the dramas of 2020 behind us.
"However, it is important at this time that businesses and the community take the necessary precautions to avoid another sustained period of restrictions, or worse, another widespread and prolonged lockdown.
"As disappointing as it is for businesses to have to accept cancellations and scale back their activity at this time, we need to do what we can to ensure the situation does not escalate.
"We all know now how virulent this virus is and we do not want to see a Melbourne-style lockdown in NSW.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said on Monday that it was pleasing to see a downward trend in the number of cases, but this virus was particularly volatile, and contagious, and we needed to remain vigilant.
She urged people to wear masks in high risk areas, particularly at indoor settings like shopping centres and grocery stores, places of worship, and on public transport.
"We already know what the high risk areas are," she said.
"Don't think you're immune, this can affect anyone.
"We have to be as vigilant as ever."
Dr Chant said aged care facilities should not accept visitors until at least Wednesday, when more is known about the current outbreak.
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