Joy swept the Central Coast on Friday, as people realised the region was no longer lumped in with Sydney for the NSW government's COVID-19 restrictions.
While COVID cases have soared in south-west Sydney, Central Coast residents have adhered to lockdown rules and stabilised the number of cases in their region.
While Sydney is in lockdown until at least the end of September, there's hope that some restrictions could be eased on the Coast on August 28, along with the Hunter and other regions.
Theo Vlandis, owner of Euro Bean Cafe at The Entrance, said there had been a buzz among customers throughout the day.
"It's euphoria. Everyone is loving it," Mr Vlandis said.
"People were saying it's good that we're not involved in Greater Sydney and we could possibly get out of the lockdown a little bit quicker. Everyone is happy."
Some believed the Coast should never have been part of the Greater Sydney lockdown, but others thought it may have helped contain cases.
Trading at Euro Bean Cafe had fallen by 50 per cent during eight weeks of lockdown.
"It's going to be a massive difference for us even if they relax just a few restrictions. If we get a chance to put out tables and chairs, it will give us a massive boost," Mr Vlandis said.
"We've had to reduce staff hours and let staff go. Other staff have had to use their annual leave."
Terrigal MP Adam Crouch said the Coast's lockdown would "only end when Dr Kerry Chant and the NSW Health team advises the Premier that it is safe to do so".
Some Coast residents believe August 28 may be too early to end lockdown.
Mr Crouch said the Coast's reclassification as a regional area meant "local schools will be able to resume face-to-face learning sooner".
"It is everyone's responsibility to follow the rules, get tested and book vaccination appointments," he said.
Mr Vlandis supported the prospect of kids returning to school, if cases remain under control.
"If there were 50 to 100 cases on the Central Coast, I wouldn't be comfortable with my kids going to school," he said.
Shortland MP Pat Conroy welcomed the Coast being reclassified as regional under COVID rules, particularly for those who live on or near the border with Lake Macquarie.
People will be able to travel between the two regions for authorised reasons - such as work - without a permit.
"Hopefully it will make things simpler and there will be a lot less confusion around the rules and restrictions," said Mr Conroy, whose electorate traverses the two areas.
The Coast recorded three positive cases on Friday. One was linked to a previous case, while another was connected to the Lake Munmorah Public School cluster and in isolation while infectious.
The third case was not on the Coast while infectious and the source of their infection was under investigation. This person is being cared for in a Sydney hospital.
The Coast also recorded four cases from Monday to Thursday. And fragments of the virus were detected at the Bateau Bay sewage plant.
