Dugald Saunders hasn't heard any rumblings of Dubbo residents creating a big fuss when being refused entry to businesses able to reopen after the lifting of the lockdown on Monday.
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To the best of his knowledge, people who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or cannot show proof of being fully vaccinated are generally taking the knockbacks on the chin.
The state Member for the Dubbo electorate got a glimpse of Dubbo released from the shackles of stay-at-home orders before heading to Sydney where the NSW Parliament has resumed sittings.
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"I saw a couple of hairdressers which had lines out the door and that sort of stuff," he said.
"I think that was always going to happen but it didn't seem like it was out of control or anyone was being silly."
In the first days of so-called "freedom", Mr Saunders believes Dubbo residents are being "sensible and measured" in their out-of-home activities.
He wants it to stay that way.
"Respect the other people in the same space, wear a mask indoors still, wash and sanitise your hands as soon as you can to maintain your own safety," Mr Saunders said.
"I think most people are pretty across that. Most people are always trying to do the right thing."
The MP is adamant the city must learn to live with the virus that has been subdued by "incredibly good" rates of vaccination.
On Thursday he reported of 94 per cent of people having had one jab and about 80 per cent a second jab.
"If we don't start properly supporting businesses again, many of them will not survive," Mr Saunders said.
"There's been some great government support but that can only last for so long."
The MP says lifting of the lockdown will result in more active cases but vaccination levels will reduce "hospitalisation and ventilation", and transmission of the virus.
He has a softly-softly attitude towards people who are "worried".
"You don't have to go out if you don't want to," he said.
"If you're not comfortable going into a cafe or restaurant yet, you can still keep getting takeaways."
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