"I think they should stay in Sydney."

Following the announcement on Tuesday that man from Berala in Sydney who tested positive to COVID had visited Birdie Noshery & Drinking Est. on January 3, businesses are divided over whether holidaymakers from Sydney should be told not to come to town.

Mrs Cole, who doesn't rely on a tourist trade, said she was disappointed that the NSW government hadn't locked down the hot spot suburb of Berala.

"Why couldn't they have closed it down?" she asked.

"They did it on the Northern Beaches, and they did it in Melbourne."

She expressed concern about the potential for cases to arise in coming days.

At Spilt Milk ice creamery and gelato bar, next to Birdie Noshery, co-owner Andrew Hamilton said he was "not remotely concerned" about the Berala man visiting Birdie.

"We've been healthy and my whole crew went through winter without being sick," said Mr Hamilton.

"In an environment where bacteria is an enemy, our place is like an operating theatre.

"Locals and tourists have been very respectful, and everyone is very aware and very conscious.

"It's business as usual for us."

Vijay Bohra from Orange Motor Lodge urged people from Sydney who did not need to be in Orange to stay away, despite the fact it could impact his bottom line.

"We all are worried," Mr Bohra said.

"Most people who travel for work are cautious, but if people are in a holiday mood they can think 'we'll be alright'."

At Nextra newsagency in Orange City Centre owner Tracey Pluis said it was "really hard to make a call" on whether tourists should still be encouraged to come here.

"On the one hand, for the safety of loved ones, friends and family, it's best we all stay in our own areas and Sydney people stay where they are.

"But from a tourist point of view we need people visiting as so many businesses rely on it."

As of Tuesday morning no residents of Orange had tested positive for COVID.

Anyone who was at Birdie on January 3 from 12pm to 2pm is considered a close contact of the infected man and must get tested and isolate for 14 days, irrespective of whether the test result is negative.

Send us a letter to the editor using the form below ...