Tamworth came out of hibernation on Friday, with streets full as residents jumped at the first opportunity to have a dine-in meal in six weeks.
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Punters have been banned from pubs, clubs and cafes since March 23 in rules that were touted as lasting for up to six months.
Residents turned out in droves to sit down with friends in Tamworth's Peel Street eating strip.
For one of them, Jean Morgan, 95, it was the first opportunity to leave her house in months.
Ms Morgan had barely stepped out of her house in eight weeks for fear of the coronavirus pandemic, she said. Daughter Sandra stayed with her mum during the whole COVID-19 lockdown period and said they didn't even leave for the supermarket, getting groceries delivered.
Jean is just six years too young to remember the last major global pandemic, the Spanish flu.
On Friday, she ventured out for the first time in two months for a hair cut and lunch at Addimi Cafe.
"I think it's great to be able to take her out again," Sandra said.
Another Addimi patron, Dianne, said it felt like getting a Christmas present just to be able to sit and chat with friends.
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For Uralla friends Donna Bragg and Julie O'Halloran, ordering a sit-down meal on the first day of opening up was a coincidence.
They happened to be in Tamworth for a dog operation and had a long wait.
"I can't get over how many people are out and about down here," Julie said.
"I'm sick of my own food!"
The duo ordered a sandwich and are hanging out for a proper coffee.
"I'm looking forward to having a coffee in a ceramic cup not a takeaway cup," Donna said.
Cafe and restaurant owners told the Leader earlier this week the city will have to wait a little longer for things to return to normal.
With all food businesses restricted to just ten customers no matter their floorspace, many are choosing to stay open only for deliveries.
According to a state government schedule for lifting restrictions, the next step will double the customer cap for cafes and restaurants.
Tamworth Business Chamber President Jye Segboer this week encouraged businesses to wait for stage two before reopening if that made more financial sense.
Almost all Tamworth's pubs and clubs have chosen to remain closed, adding the restrictions have not loosened enough to make reopening financially viable. The Tamworth Golf Club was one of only a few venues offering locals the chance for a quiet alcoholic drink on Friday.