No, we can't travel overseas. We can't even travel to Queensland.

One week out from school holidays, we have to look closer to home to find getaway options, which has been good news for our part of the world.

Recent Wotif.com data showed Armidale was recently the number one searched for Aussie destination on the popular travel search engine.

National parks, in particular, are a big drawcard for visitors to our region.

It was one of several news stories over the past week that demonstrated we are finding ways to keep living our lives despite the restrictions that have been placed on us by the coronavirus pandemic.

The state government has softened its stance and allowed school formals to go ahead under strict conditions. At NEGS Year 12 student Sheridan Bennett said they have started work planning for "a very different type of celebration".

Meanwhile, local real estate agent Peter Georkas said government incentives for homebuyers during the pandemic have definitely made a difference to the local market.

In a trend seen across the region, Armidale is seeing close to the same amount of sales as last year but there are fewer listings on the market.

Perhaps one exception to the rule of people getting on with their lives was the look at emergency department admissions. But that's not a bad thing!

Visits plummeted by more than 22 per cent at Armidale Hospital amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our senior journalist Vanessa Arundale writes it seems the 'stay home, stay safe' message did more than just reduce the spread of coronavirus - it protected the public from broken bones, influenza and all the risks associated with the great outdoors.

Finally, progress is continuing at the new playground in Curtis Park, which has attracted a lot of interest. Especially the news that cost savings during construction has seen some additions to the much-anticipated playground.

I hope you have a great week and continue to make the best of life.

Thanks for reading.