Wodonga's coronavirus-battered economy will take two significant steps on the road to recovery on Monday with the end to the marathon border closure and major changes to mask-wearing requirements in Victoria.
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Business Wodonga chairman Graham Jenkin said businesses across all sectors had borne the brunt of lengthy delays in people moving between Albury and Wodonga.
Wodonga retailers have also paid a higher price for much tougher and longer COVID-19 restrictions following a second wave of the virus.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Sunday a relaxation on mask-wearing requirements with them only being mandatory in indoor settings.
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"It's a step in the right direction because it means you can walk down High Street without the need to wear a mask provided you are practicing social distancing," Mr Jenkin said.
"Talking to retailers in Albury their trade has been up immensely and it's people not just from Wodonga, but people from Myrtleford, Wangaratta, Benalla.
"People who would have gone to Shepparton or Wangaratta in the past , have been coming to Albury to shop because they don't need to wear a mask."
Cafes, pubs and restaurants also benefit from the latest round of restrictions easing with larger venues caps increasing to 150 people inside for a total of 300 people inside and out.
Function bookings are expected to increase with 150 people allowed at weddings and funerals and 300 people for outdoor religious ceremonies.
Smaller cafes can have up to 50 people.
But Mr Jenkin said the border closure ending would play a key role in the economic fightback.
"But the border barrier coming down at midnight will have the bigger impact on the wider Wodonga economy.
"It will make cross-border travel so much easier.
"Making it one community, one economy again will have a positive impact on all businesses."