BUSINESSES supplying goods to the region's trades have been given the green light to continue operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Shops selling products associated with construction such as flooring, plumbing and electrical supplies can continue to open to the public, provided they are practising social distancing.
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said while the businesses weren't on the state government's list of essential services, they could continue to carry on their business.
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"They can go about their business if it is in relation to what they do," Mr Anderson told the Leader.
"If it is something they need to do as part of building or construction, or to assist the builder to continue work, then certainly go do what you need to do, conduct your business and go back to your house.
"People can still support their local shops and cafes, but it has to be in a direct line.
"Go and conduct your business and go back home, it is as simple as that."
Mr Anderson said a lot of businesses across his electorate had been "thinking outside of the square" in regard to the running of their business during the pandemic.
"We are finding a lot of people and businesses are finding new ways to connect with their customers and deliver their services," he said.
"Every business is unique and if they have got a unique way of connecting with their customers to continue to keep their business alive, then I encourage that for sure."
Mr Anderson's reassurance comes as NSW Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes announced construction sites could now operate on weekends and public holidays to help keep construction projects going.
"The construction and development sectors, which make up almost 10 per cent of NSW's economy, will be vital in keeping people in jobs and keeping investment flowing over the coming weeks and months," Mr Stokes said.
"We're doing what we can to support the industry in line with the current medical advice by extending weekday construction site operating hours to weekends and public holidays.
"The extended hours allow the industry to facilitate social distancing on construction sites, while minimising the potential for lost productivity during the pandemic."
The changes will remain in place throughout the duration of the pandemic, or until the advice from NSW Health changes.
"In NSW there are almost 400,000 people employed in the property and construction industry and we are committed to doing everything we can to keep each of them in work, but most importantly, to keep them safe and healthy," Mr Stokes said.
Mr Anderson said it was vital for other industries to be supported during the pandemic to ensure they can survive.
"Every job is essential, so in terms of building and construction, we need them to keep working, we need them to practice social distancing and that's why we have extended the period of time that they can be on site," he said.
"It is essential that they continue to work and this sector will play a big part as an economical pillar to ensure we make it through to the other side."
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