A spirit of optimism has prompted some Wagga businesses to reopen their doors, as infection rates slow to a crawl and restrictions are eased around the state.
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One of them is Rynehart's Fashion Boutique owner Jackie Gash, who emerged from her hibernation after being encouraged by news of Wagga's flattened curve.
"I closed in the first three weeks because I thought it was the right thing to do, but now that covid-19 seems to be coming under control I thought now's the time to open up and see how we go," Ms Gash said.
"You've got to be optimistic, haven't you? Otherwise what do you do? You might as well give up and close up shop."
It's been a tough retail environment for Ms Gash, who hasn't been able to sell her fancy occasion-wear due to a total lack of occasions for people to go to.
She says the Autumn and Winter time in Wagga would normally be a busy period for her shop, with Winter balls, Fashions on the Field, and other events where people would be dressing up to the nines.
Weddings and funerals being called off has been another blow to her business, but she is hopeful that Mother's Day and the colder weather will bring more customers through her doors.
In other news:
BEC business advisor David Yeates has been going around urging business owners to follow Ms Gash's suit and reopen their doors in time for Mother's Day.
He said major retailers were already poised to reopen their chains in May, and that smaller retailers would be well-advised to get ahead of the curve and open before them.
"Retail and other businesses should now be reviewing their situation and consider re-opening with a covid-19 plan in place to allow for social distancing within their business," Mr Yeates said.
"As a community we have done a great job in controlling this virus which can be seen in the social distancing locals have done so well and the respect for front line workers throughout Wagga."
He said many businesses have made heroic efforts to shake up their business models in a bid to stay open, that if more businesses came out of hibernation then foot-traffic would start returning to the streets of Wagga.
He's also urging customers to get their Mother's Day shopping out of the way early to avoid the usual Saturday morning rush of forgetful children.
"We want people to support local businesses, because if they want them there at the end of this crisis they need to help them out," Mr Yeates said.