There was an attitude of "you're not welcome here" because of the very real risk that the out-of-control coronavirus numbers could spread north.

This was not just a rule, but a way of thinking about Melburnians that had seeped into our brains.

Now, it is time to reprogram those thoughts.

As of Monday, Melbourne's ring of steel has come down and our metropolitan mates are welcome back.

Anyone who did need to travel to Melbourne, or knows someone who did, will understand that the "ring of steel" was not really that strong - it was easy enough to find a way around the checkpoints, or just get on one of the V/Line buses that were being regularly waved through.

But we have to remember that they are our mates, they have done a very good job of getting the second wave under control, and we really do need them to help the North East recover economically.

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Any business owner will tell you that bushfires then the pandemic have been a disaster.

They need visitors back in the region's cities and towns in order to recover, and welcoming Melburnians will be the first step towards that recovery.

Wangaratta councillor-elect Dean Rees, expected to run again for the job of mayor later this month, already had the right attitude at yesterday's opening of the city's new Quest apartments.

"We're expecting a big rush to come from Melbourne up to the regions areas," he said.

That big rush will help the new big business in town, but hopefully spread down to the smaller businesses who desperately need the boost.

Those who we feared are now those who we need.

So remember, next time you meet someone from Melbourne up here, don't fall into old habits and fear they might opening the door to infection, smile and be glad they're opening their wallets for us.