OBERON'S Royal Hotel threw open its doors at one minute past midnight on Saturday as Bathurst's neighbour came out of lockdown.
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Businesses have been able to start operating again and students have returned to school (though only briefly, because the term's about to end) thanks to Oberon's clean sheet when it comes to COVID, having yet to record a case.
Royal Hotel manager Amber O'Bernier said she and staff are excited but nervous as they want to keep the town safe and open so people can move around.
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"We have strict rules and conditions to abide to, but to have staff back and the dining room open is great," she said.
"We kept the bottle shop open during the lockdown and the bistro stayed open for takeaways only.
"Oberon's businesses can only stay vigilant by checking that customers come from our own local government area."
Oberon hospitality venues have to abide by the rule of one person per four square metres inside and one person per two square metres outside.
Oberon RSL Club general manager Peter Price, meanwhile, said that, after discussions with local police, the club will be welcoming those who live within the Oberon local government area.
He said staff will ask those attending the club, before they are granted entry, to prove where they live regardless of whether they are a member or not.
He said contractors visiting the club from a lockdown area must show their permit to travel and proof of a negative COVID test taken within the last three days.
"These are truly unusual and difficult times and regulations, but if we all work together, we can make it all work," he said.