Come Friday, cafes and restaurants across the Hastings will be the first to come out of COVID-19 lockdown - but with conditions.

Hospitality businesses will gradually be able to welcome customers as part of the government's plan to return to pre-coronavirus working conditions.

Under stage one, restaurants and cafes can have up to 10 people as long as they abide by the one person per four square metres rule. For some very small venues, this may mean only two or three people are able to be inside

Up until now, cafes have only been able to serve takeaway meals and drinks during the coronavirus crisis.

Seasalt Port Macquarie owner Cassie Clark said while the ease back rules still come with some confusion, her team is ready to get back into it.

"It has been incredibly difficult emotionally, mentally and physically," she said. The business has seen an 80 per cent reduction in trade.

Seasalt, overlooking the marina, will be offering sit down space inside only and will determine over the coming days how many of their 19 staff they can realistically bring back on deck.

"It is difficult because you still need to apply social distancing. And then how long will people be siting at a table for. Do we implement a 45 minute stay because after that person leaves we have to clean down the tables and clean the chairs before the next person comes in.

"We will be back but still under abnormal trading conditions.

"We don't know if we are doing right from wrong but the second this is all over and my little business can perform again the happier I will be.

"My customers have always been positive and supportive throughout this time and I couldn't be more thankful."

Jacqui Cudmore of Chop n Chill on Port Macquarie's Town Green said they are looking forward to getting "bums on seats".

"It has been devastating," Jacqui said. The business has managed to place all of its 25 staff on Jobkeeper but has seen an 86 per cent downturn in trade.

Despite this, Jacqui and partner Paul have provided daily takeaway meals for their staff who have been doing it tough.

"We are ready but we want to do the right thing," she said.

"We've had drought, then bushfires and then this. This is the third strike. We plan to come back bigger and better."

They will offer sit down dining outside from Saturday morning.

"The support we have had from our local community has been overwhelmingly fabulous. If it wasn't for them we would not have made it through."

STAGES FOR REOPENING CAFES AND RESTAURANTS:

STAGE 1

* Restaurants and cafes can seat up to 10 people with four square metres density rule

STAGE 2

* Restaurants and cafes can seat up to 20 people with four square metres density rule - includes seated areas in pubs, clubs and casinos

STAGE 3

* Restaurants and cafes can seat up to 100 people with four square metres density rule

* Pubs, clubs and nightclubs can have up to 100 people seated

* Bar areas and some gaming venues may open.

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