Covid 19 coronavirus Delta outbreak: Whanganui customers flood back at level 2

Owner of Underground Cutz Ian Filo said he is booked up for the next week as people look to get their hair cut. Photo / Bevan Conley

Whanganui businesses are welcoming in-store customers and clients for the first time in three weeks as the region moves to Covid-19 alert level 2.

Mandatory scanning upon entry, the wearing of face masks and distancing between patrons were all in place as stricter rules and restrictions have been implemented due to the contagious nature of the Delta variant.

Barbers, hairdressers and gyms all welcomed guests for the first time in weeks on Wednesday, with many expecting to be busy over the next few days as people make the most of their newfound freedom.

Owner of Underground Cutz Ian Filo said when the level 2 move was announced, his phone started getting booking inquiries from customers.

"Definitely happy to be back, it feels really good," he said.

"As soon as the announcement was made, I got flooded with texts. Our books basically filled up straight away."

Filo's blades stayed sharp during the course of the lockdown with his four sons at home as subjects.

Due to the distancing issues, Filo and his fellow barber will be alternating days of work, with one customer in at a time.

"They'll be covering the later shifts in the week."

Gyms also welcomed back clients for the first time in weeks, with Inspire Health and Fitness Centre Tuera Pirikahu happy to be back at work.

Tuera Pirikahu from Inspire Health and Fitness Centre said they have had quite a few inquiries over the past few days from potential new members. Photo / Bevan Conley

"Definitely happy to be back. With school and daycare returning tomorrow, I expect to see more people in.

"We have had a lot of people calling up. A lot of inquiries too, which is good because we are only a little business and have been struggling a bit."

Pirikahu said the wearing of face masks was optional at the gym but recommended. Most were opting not to wear one whilst working out.

The sauna remains open at Inspire, but assessments and body scans have all been cancelled until level 1.

CityFitness also welcomed back clients on Wednesday, but with some heavy restrictions.

Booking is now required during peak times.

All group classes have been suspended until September 13 while it looks at how to operate under the new rules.

Owner of Fitzies Bakery and Cafe Chris Rod said it was great to see some familiar faces in the store once again.

"Yeah it has been a bit of a tough time, hopefully we can get some more people through the door."

He said it was busy during level 3 and 4 with contactless deliveries for customers.

Owner of Fitzies Bakery and Cafe Chris Rod appreciated all the support during alert level 3 and 4, where they did contactless deliveries. Photo / Bevan Conley

"We were overwhelmed those first couple of days. It was quite hard to keep up with delivery times."

Rod, who bought the business in mid 2019, said it hadn't been easy over the past two years with the lockdowns and the uncertainty the times bring.

"It has been pretty tough at times."

Fitzies plan on utilising the online system it developed during the lockdown which Rod hopes will be good for local business orders.

"Just a big thank you to everyone for the support. That's something people have been very good about."