Karen and Tony Hobbs, owners of the Treasure Chest souvenirs and gift shop in Huskisson have temporarily closed their business, are expecting negative COVID test results and have shown no symptoms in the past 14 days.
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Mrs Hobbs said she was not notified by NSW Health about the COVID exposure and instead found out through phone calls made to her by her friends and family.
The Treasure Chest - which Karen called a "general little 'come and get whatever you need' shop" - was visited by a confirmed case of COVID on Friday, May 21 within a window of time between 11.30am and 12pm.
She intended to call NSW Health to find out what their advice was for her business, but for the moment she said she and her husband would be staying put in their home.
"[My husband and I] were so shocked when we found out. We had just heard about the five little pigs café closing and I said to my husband, I hope they are ok because we're all such lovely friends in Husky.
"And about half an hour later my phone started ringing with everyone asking if we were ok. I didn't even know what they were talking about.
"I couldn't understand why they hadn't rang us because I know they had rang five little pigs apparently late that afternoon.
"Maybe because the [case was only in and out within a 30 minute window]. So maybe that's the difference - they didn't think we were a real concern?" she said.
Mrs Hobbs said she was hoping to open the shop back up this weekend - when they receive their negative result and when NSW Health give them the all clear to do so.
She said her business adhered to all COVID guidelines including good hand hygiene and that a screen was installed on the counter to protect her and her husband.
"We do feel that we've done our best," she said.
"I wasn't even at work that Friday, it was just my husband but because we do live together, I've just gone and had the test done."
Mr and Mrs Hobbs have owned the Treasure Chest for the past six years and have also owned other businesses around the area.
"We love Huskisson - everyone's just so lovely and we all work together in the town," she said.
The couple are also members of the Huskisson Business chamber and try to get involved in as much community initiatives as they can, said Mrs Hobbs.
She said she felt well supported from the community, especially in the comment section of their Facebook post which updated their customers on their wellbeing.
"Everybody, even the other shops in Husky were all wishing us well as we did last year when the poor old Wild Ginger restaurant had to shut.
"We love all our customers - we have a great business - so I'm sure everyone will come back and visit us.
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