A COVID-positive taxi driver who visited the South Coast and caused several Ulladulla venues to be closed, has created apprehension about visitors coming down.

Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley asked people coming to the area to really focus on keeping the South Coast disease free.

"They need to be following the instructions they're given in restaurants and shops and wherever else they go," she said.

"If there is an outbreak in NSW and we have to take similar measures as Victoria that will mean it will destroy Christmas for us."

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On Monday, September 21 the NSW Government announced a new COVID-safe summer strategy and asked beachgoers to "keep a towel length" between them.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the COVID-safe plan had been formulated with the lessons learnt from the northern hemisphere summer.

"... We can't all go to the same space at same times so the COVID summer safe program is all about trying to inform people about where the best places to go are and when they should go there."

Mr Stokes said there were five pillars of the COVID-safe summer strategy, which would help support the current public health orders, rules and regulations.

Mayor Amanda Findley said there needs to be strong messaging for visitors.

"To have the Premier come out and say being extra cautious in October means the outlook for the December/January school holidays is better - I think that would resonate because people really love the summer holidays," she said.

"People who travel need to book ahead and register their actives so if something does happen they can be contact traced."

The mayor had advice for locals who were worried about catching the virus.

"South Coast people are really good at preparing for the busy holiday periods - we've done it before where we go and stock up on things before the holiday period begins and then avoid congested areas."

Shoalhaven Business Chamber President Jemma Tribe echoed the mayor's sentiments - that businesses and the community were pretty nervous heading into school holidays and the October long weekend.

"Most feel they're prepared and being vigilant and doing the right things but at the same time there are things completely out of your control," Mrs Tribe said.

"If a positive case walks in and you find out later on there is not much more you can do than shutdown, deep clean and isolate - which is a setback nobody wants."

She urged people to follow the guidelines and said local businesses are trying their hardest to be safe.

"Especially as people are relaxed on holidays and not always thinking about hygiene and social distancing.

"It's a challenge but it is important to do and everyone is taking the responsibility really seriously."