Today, Lismore along with the rest of the state has a lot more COVID-19 freedom as we reported yesterday (NSW COVID restrictions change tomorrow. Here is what you need to know) in detail, including freedom of movement and social access for unvaccinated people, no more mask-wearing, density limits and QR Code sign-ins at most but not all places.

The Lismore App spoke to members of the community about what that means for them and how they feel about it.

Yesterday Covid cases in the Northern Rivers reached 26 while across the state there were 804 new cases of COVID-19 reported.

Lismore City Council's Manager of Active and Liveable Communities said Covid restrictions will be eased as of Wednesday 15th of December in line with the State Government's roadmap and about what will happen at the Council owned GSAC building.

"The staff at GSAC are looking forward to welcoming all of the community back. Users of the pool will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination, but everyone must continue to use the QR Code to check-in and out."

F45 Training Lismore- Director, Tenzin Stark told the Lismore App "It’s very exciting, we are looking forward to welcoming back our unvaccinated members and for everyone, not having to mask up will be great."

"It’s a great opportunity for unvaccinated people to come in and shake off those lockdown blues, and we are offering a 14-day free trial to anyone keen to kickstart their 2022 fitness journey after what has been a hard year all round."

Gyms will still be required to QR Code for contact tracing, but all other restrictions will be lifted.

James Mchenery, a Lismore Markets Stall holder and Pro-Choice Activist, with a region-wide and online natural health business said "It’s great! Freedom is a positive thing. To not be monitored and under scrutiny is lifting restrictions for peoples mind, body, spirit and for the community as a whole."

"I'm aware of the risk with the current increase in case numbers, but more than ever I’m clear that it’s important for people to have strong daily health and wellbeing rituals and to boost your immune system with cutting edge biohacking technology. Sales have been through the roof this past week and our team is so happy to support the community in all their prevention and immune-boosting choices."

Lismore Clinic was very busy and declined to comment.

Uncle Lewis Walker Wahlubal Elder who is preparing to take the pilgrimage to the 50th Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra said that "it is time for all people to unite, the time for mandates is over, that he wishes healing and blessings to all those who have suffered, and that is good for the community that the restrictions are lifting".

Maddy Braddon is a young retail worker in a local camping shop and at a stall in the Lismore Farmers Markets, she is double vaccinated with Pfizer, and is a little worried about what is happening with the increase in cases, but will rely on the public health advice to make decisions, based on the health of herself and her loved ones.

She said "I'm super fatigued over the pandemic like everyone else. I'm really excited for the masks to be gone and excited for a degree of normality being restored to life in our wonderful community."

"I'm really craving the arts, music, culture and events that are missing from our town, and how our community normally interacts".

"We usually have a lot of talks and interactions such as workshops and gigs and I'm really missing that".

"I do feel a little concerned for our vulnerable members who may be more affected by more spikes in cases as our restrictions ease, and the health services who care for them. It has made me so grateful for our community and I'm so glad I get to live in our regional place, we have had it pretty good here generally."

It seems the festive cheer may in fact arrive just in time for all in the community this year with Lismore coming back together for long-awaited events and family gatherings, preferably outdoors, even for those with loved ones, just across the QLD border.