OBERON Council depot staff were sent home to self-isolate last week during a brief COVID-19 scare in a decision that was "not taken lightly".
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The potential carrier later returned a negative test.
The alert began when a member of the crew at Oberon Council depot reported that they were in self-isolation because it was possible a member of the family had been in contact with someone who had the potential to have COVID-19.
Oberon Council immediately sent all the depot staff home to self-isolate.
Council management received constant updates as the potential carrier underwent a virus test, which came back negative.
Outdoor staff went back to work the following day.
Oberon Council general manager Gary Wallace said the steps the council took were precautionary and followed the government's requirements.
"The decision [to send staff home] was not taken lightly," he said.
"It was done to ensure the maximum safety of the staff and the community.
"The council is taking every precaution to keep its workforce safe at all times, while continuing to provide the critical services the community needs."
Mr Wallace also commended the staff for the way in which they reacted to the incident.
"The current pandemic is unprecedented, and the need to act in the best interests of our staff and the community is paramount," he said.
"This incident illustrated how all of us must be aware and vigilant at all times to ensure that everyone stays safe, and be conscious of the safety of others."
Meanwhile, as the Oberon region continued to adjust to life under COVID-19 restrictions, Mayfield Garden announced it was closing temporarily and local police said they had issued warnings to people who had travelled to the area who did not need to do so.
