The last two years of uncertainty with the pandemic has taken its toll on small businesses across the Highlands, with the latest outbreak hitting many hard.
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Streets in towns and villages are empty, chairs are stacked in hospitality venues and closed signs can be seen in shop windows.
South Hill Kitchen in Bowral is one of the many small businesses in the region that have shut due to staff being identified as close contacts, and waiting for PCR test results.
The café in Bong Bong Street has been shut since January 4, which was a first for business owner Tory Bevan.
"I've worked so hard in two years of bushfires and COVID... it's finally taken its toll," she said.
"This was going to be our busy December-January to catch up."
Ms Bevan said that she tried to keep the café open, but it was not possible due to the shortage of staff.
The business owner said that she "basically used up everything" during previous lockdowns and felt like it was an "impossible situation".
Do you have a story to tell about the current COVID-19 situation? How is it affecting your business, your family or your community? Email michelle.thomas@austcommunitymedia.com.au
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Briannah Devlin
I like to write about arts, entertainment, any local reality tv leads, and property for the Southern Highland News and Goulburn Post, but also report on everything in between. If you have any tips, please send them to Briannah.Devlin@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0439142204.
I like to write about arts, entertainment, any local reality tv leads, and property for the Southern Highland News and Goulburn Post, but also report on everything in between. If you have any tips, please send them to Briannah.Devlin@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0439142204.
