When the State government announced COVID restrictions would be eased in mid-December, the news was greeted by local business operators with a mixture of relief and optimism for a brighter 12 months of trading.
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Fast forward a month, and exhausted owner/operators are struggling to remain open as COVID-19 takes a firm grip on the region.
Many have been forced to temporarily close, reduce trading hours or services as staff are struck down with the condition, while annual events have been cancelled or postponed, many for a second and third time.
Hospitality venues have been hardest hit.
However, no-one has been spared; even the largest employer in the region, MidCoast Council has released a statement asking for patience and understanding as its faces staff shortages.
"We are currently being impacted by the number of infections across the Mid-Coast, due to either staff testing positive or being required to isolate because someone in their household has tested positive," general manager, Adrian Panuccio said.
One of the few restaurants to continued trading is Kings Valley Egyptian Cuisine in Forster.
However, due to staff shortages restaurant owner, Mody Yakout has minimised table bookings.
Mr Yakout said fewer bookings/tables enabled Kings Valley to provide the same level of service and quality meals the restaurant is renown for.
But, with staff numbers dropping from 15-8, it has been an exhausting holiday period for Mr Yakout who has been working most days.
We are currently being impacted by the number of infections across the Mid-Coast, due to either staff testing positive or being required to isolate because someone in their household has tested positive.
- MidCoast Council general manager, Adrian Panuccio
"I take Monday lunch-time off to recover," he said.
Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club general manager, Terry Green believes the versatility of his multi-skilled staff has been a major factor in ensuring it has been business as usual during the busy summer holiday period.
While some staff members have been isolating and recovering, others have taken up the slack.
Mr Green said everyone at Tuncurry Beach can turn their hand to a variety of positions, from general bar staff to working behind a desk.
"That has been our big advantage," he said.
"The good thing also was staff were not away at the same time."
Beach Bums Cafe, along Forster Main Beach has decided to take the safe option, offering take-away only for the time being, while on Wednesday, January 12 Tartt, Forster announced via its Facebook page it had returned to seating.
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Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
