NSW Health yesterday said anyone who visited the Coles Express in Gundagai between 1.00am and 1.30am on July 8 is considered a close contact for potential exposure and must immediately self-isolate for 14 days.

The potential exposure follows two similar incidents in May and December, in which outside travellers brought the virus in or near to Gundagai.

Gundagai resident Sandra Simpson said the town accepted restrictions and precautions due to its dependence on the tourist trade and position on the Hume Highway.

"There's always someone trying to sneak out of Sydney or sneak out of Melbourne; it's just a fact of life that we have to live with," she said.

"People were very good when we had people stop here who were exposed, they were extremely good at being very wary and they're wearing their masks.

"We haven't had any smart alecs who think they don't have to wear a mask. I have noticed they are limiting their visitors and visiting, but the longer that runs the harder it will become, but for now it's a fact of life that we have to pick up the phones and call each other."

NSW Health COVID-19 alerts for Gundagai

The May exposure incident, in which a man from Victoria visited multiple locations in the town, resulted in 200 people getting tested as a precaution.

Gundagai GP and respiratory clinic director Dr Paul Mara said the COVID risk from visitors seemed to be driving high demand for vaccinations.

"The total number of the doses we have given has been 1400 to 1500, and 30 per cent of that would be people getting their second dose," he said.

"I think that there would be a much higher percentage of vaccinated people in Gundagai than the national average.

"We're on track to complete the vaccination of those over 40 who want to be vaccinated by October and that's a reasonably good outcome."

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Dr Mara said the clinic saw more patients seeking advice on COVID and vaccinations after every exposure incident.

"It's a good outcome from a bad situation," he said.

Gundagai Men's Shed president Tony Tunstell said residents had come to accept that the exposure risk was always there.

"We look after ourselves, we know who's new in town and you know to avoid them," he said.

"We welcome tourists to the town because they are part of the livelihood of the town, but you have just got to be careful when you go inside a place after them.

"It's a bit annoying but we have got it much better than places like Sydney."

Mr Tunstell said he had closed the Men's Shed for the time being as it was not safe to operate machinery with masks on.

"It's a shame as there are people who are reliant on the Men's Shed," he said.

Mr Tunstell said Gundagai appeared to have been lucky with the latest exposure as it took place in the early hours of the morning.

"There's minimal direct exposure to locals other than the staff," he said.

Gundagai-Cootamundra mayor Abb McAlister said that Gundagai, as a highway town, was more prevalent to COVID-19 exposures.

"People have become very aware and they are taking all the precautions in town," he said.

"Hopefully we will be alright again this time."

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