Tamworth streets, shops, public spaces empty amid stronger restrictions, social distancing for coronavirus pandemic

There should have been students beginning to wander down Peel Street in their uniforms, people sitting in the Autumn sunshine sipping coffee, children exploring the playgrounds and kids tearing it up at the skate park.

Instead, the CBD was almost empty.

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Tighter restrictions from the Australian government have come into place over the past few days in an effort to curb the COVID-19 pandemic.

This means cafes and restaurants have either closed or moved to takeaway only, people are more aware about the importance of social distancing, and many non-essential services like cinemas, theatres and entertainment venues have shut up shop.

More information about the opening hours and services of local businesses can be found on the Tamworth Regional Council's trading directory website at https://www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/live/information-for-residents/tamworth-region-trading-directory.

There is at least one confirmed case of COVID-19 in Tamworth as of Tuesday afternoon, after a passenger returned home from the Ruby Princess cruise ship.

The Hunter New England Health district confirmed that as at 8pm on Monday, March 23, there were 72 confirmed coronavirus patients in the district.

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