The Bathurst RSL Club has revised their strict entry policy to welcome back visitors from selected NSW regions, but the policy will remain indefinitely for Greater Sydney, Batemans Bay and Victorian residents.
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Residents from the Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Albury areas are now allowed to visit the RSL Club after favourable updates around COVID-19 cases.
Bathurst RSL Club general manager Peter Sargent said the venue is following NSW Health updates on a daily basis, and is satisfied residents from the aforementioned areas pose a reduced risk to the Bathurst community.
"We update our sign-in register daily based on new COVID-19 cases announced throughout NSW," Mr Sargent said.
"Any areas added to NSW Health's list requiring recent visitors to either self-isolate or monitor symptoms are noted and sent to reception to help staff make informed decisions."
Mr Sargent acknowledged NSW's effective management of COVID-19's spread, but has stressed the need to stay vigilant and follow the venue's COVID-safe guidelines.
"Despite the clusters in Sydney, NSW hasn't experienced the explosion in COVID cases Victoria has, which indicates the virus has been contained to greater effect in this state," he said.
"With that said, we still have to be sensible, and until there's a vaccine, we have to work around COVID-19 to ensure we can both function as a business and protect the local community."
The Bathurst RSL's strict entry policy has been in place since July 14, and Mr Sargent said the measures have continued to receive a warm reception from members.
"The net benefit in our decision is that members are feeling confident enough to pay the club a visit," he said.
"It's been a challenge for our staff having to turn visitors away, and not everyone has been reasonable about it, but for the most part, people have been understanding, and we're in full support staff members who are enforcing these difficult, but necessary rules."
Mr Sargent said patrons have treated the venue's COVID-safe guidelines with plenty of respect.
"A majority of patrons have stayed seated without any hassle, and have been mindful of social distancing measures," he said.
"The strict policies we've enforced from the onset have helped ease concerns around patron safety, and its pleasing to see a number of other venues in town follow suit."
"We will continue to follow NSW Health updates and review our policies as regularly as possible."
The Bathurst RSL has a membership base of 16,500.
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