From Friday, the first stage of Coronavirus restrictions being eased came into effect, allowing outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people as well as having five visitors at our homes.
Also allowed are up to 10 guests at a wedding, 20 for indoor funerals, 30 for outdoor funerals and 10 at religious gatherings and places of worship.
Outdoor equipment can be used with caution and outdoor pools have been allowed to reopen with restrictions.
But the one rule that has had the biggest effect on local residents and businesses is the ability to now seat up to 10 people at any time at restaurants and cafes after being restricted to takeaway and home delivery in May.
Deniliquin RSL Club CEO David Hart said it was great to experience ‘‘a bit of normality’’.
‘‘We had about five people come in on Friday, 20 on Saturday and about 10 on Sunday,’’ he said.
‘‘The bistro was extremely popular but we did still have in for the cafe.
‘‘Obviously we would love to see more people coming back to the club, but it has definitely been a great start to reintroducing a bit of normality in our community.’’
Mr Hart said takeaway orders were still more popular than dining in.
‘‘Takeaway orders are increasing daily, and over the weekend we were getting up to 50 or 60 orders a day which was great for our staff,’’ he said.
‘‘It gives us the opportunity to support all our employees by being able to keep them on.
‘‘Hopefully we can get back to 100 per cent, but it is going to take time and the support of our community.’’
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