The Northern Territory is edging closer towards a return to normality, with stage one of eased coronavirus restrictions rolled out on Friday.
From noon, Territorians were able to use public swimming pools and playgrounds, go fishing with friends and play golf.
Outdoor weddings and funerals also had the cap on attendees removed on the condition proper social distancing is followed.
Darwin wedding planner Belinda Nolan is one of many business owners who has suffered from the implementation of lockdown measures.
Where she would’ve usually planned events of as many of 300 guests, coronavirus measures capped it at five.
But while that cap has now been lifted, Ms Nolan said she wasn't expecting it to make a big difference to her business right away.
“I mean, I haven’t had any calls or emails from people today asking, 'can we go ahead with our wedding?',” she said.
Darwin wedding planner Belinda Nolan Source: SBS News
“Most of our business is done in the dry season between March and September. Two of our bookings have already cancelled, while the others have rescheduled for next year.
“We’ve essentially had to close up shop because there is not really much happening at this time. There are multiple other vendors in this same industry who have also had to close up.”
For others, the changes will bring much-needed relief.
Darwin Funeral Services director Brendan McNamee said the easing of restrictions will help people grieve.
“It will just start the journey forward to normalising funerals to what people expect them to be,” he said.
Darwin funeral director Brendan McNamee Source: SBS News
“Sometimes you go to a cemetery expecting 300 people to be there but instead there is only 10. I know when I look at some funerals how many people are actually missing out.
“It will just make it easier for people to understand because they won’t have those parameters holding them down. It will be a much more pleasant journey, I think."
'Don't do a Bondi'
NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner has announced a plan for pubs and restaurants to also reopen on 15 May and nightclubs and team sports to return on 5 June.
While these changes are sure to be welcomed by many, some say the impact of the coronavirus on their business has been irreversible.
Six weeks of harsh restrictions in the NT helped keep positive cases of coronavirus to a minimum, with no community transmission or deaths recorded in the territory.
Health officials hope the eased restrictions won't lead people to become complacent and forget the importance of social distancing.
NT chief medical officer Hugh Heggie has urged Territorians to be careful.
“This weekend, enjoy yourself, take care. But follow the principles, don’t do a Bondi - that’s important,” he said.
“We still have an emergency situation and we do have the power if people don’t do the right thing to stop an activity or event.”
NT police commissioner Jamie Chalker said police will be out in force over the weekend to make sure people are doing the right thing.
“We don’t want to move into sanctions straight away. It’s the last thing we want to do,” he said.
“We do want compliance, so if we see belligerence, that is something we will continue to focus on to mitigate.”
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits. Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.
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