A block on crossing the NSW border could strangle a number of Moama-based companies who rely on Echuca residents crossing the bridge.
But most just want to know what the rules will look like.
“They say roll with the punches, but you'd like to know where the punches are coming from,” Border Inn publican Adie Daly said.
“Usually you can prepare for most things in business and life, but sometimes you can't. We have to accept these things, but it's definitely tough for border towns.”
Adie said while many of his regulars were coming from Moama, he had concerns about what a lock-down could do for business, though he is remaining positive.
“One thing for us is we are a local pub, we have the support from our side of the river,” he said.
“We have people who live in Moama who are regulars at the pub, but potentially losing Echuca residents will no doubt have an impact.
“But we've been luckier than some of our friends in Echuca in the past few weeks, we've been able to open up more than others; if it's our turn to take a hit, so be it.”
Glenn Rogers, hospitality supervisor of CLRS social enterprise Murray River Tea Rooms, agreed that clarification of the restrictions was essential.
“There remains so much up in the air for us,” he said.
“A lot of our business comes out of Victoria, but we also do have business from this side, so hopefully we will see that increase.
“Our major concern remains around our people and getting them across the border. We have a lot of our volunteers who live in Victoria, people who will now need to get exemptions to be able to come in.
“They could lose the opportunity to do something they love, and that's really disappointing for us. We will provide them with letters explaining their roles for now, and hopefully it will be enough, but we still need more information because we don't really know what is going to happen.”
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