How coronavirus has impacted Canberra's Easter celebrations

While boys Hunter and Ryder weren't initially enamoured with the unfamiliar object hovering down over their house, the sweet treats it delivered from the sky had since proved it friend, not foe.

"I told them Easter bunny has taken the weekend off this year," Greg Parish said.

The family was one of more than 100 homes in Palmerston, Crace and Franklin to sign up for initial trial of the futuristic food drop-off 12 months ago.

During that time their deliveries have included burritos, coffees, ice cream and hot cross buns.

Pauline Parish said in addition to their Easter delivery, the drone had been a familiar sound in the street for a fortnight, as more families heeded warnings to stay indoors.

"It's been quite convenient when the shops have been so busy to know I can order coffee beans or a loaf of bread when we need them," she said.

There are 15 Canberra businesses now participating in the service, with Bakers Delight Tuggeranong signing up recently to help cater to customers' hot cross bun cravings in the lead-up to Easter.

Up the street, the Salvation Army in Greenway delivered its own social-distancing safe, futuristic Easter service this year.

Pastor major Colin Maxwell and captain Roz Edwards have reached out to the Christian community through video services presented on YouTube.

Captain Edwards said they had never done anything like it before but the pandemic forced a bit of creative thinking.

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"It's unthinkable that the doors of our church are closed over Easter," she said.

The Salvation Army's national leaders will also provide two online services through Facebook at 9.30am and 11am on Easter Sunday, in addition to the live stream they presented on Good Friday.

"It's a message of hope in our community, a message that even though we're all going through COVID-19 it will pass," captain Edwards said.

Captain Edwards said people had been knocking on doors of the Salvation Army in Tuggeranong Square, with more people seeking comfort in religion.

"The virus is terrifying and it's taking life so people are turning to their faith," she said.

While traditional Easter egg hunts and weekends away may be postponed this year, creative concepts have sprung up to keep children entertained.

Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School students took part in an annual Easter bonnet parade from their cars this week.

While the ACT government organised The Big Canberra Easter Egg Hunt.

Taking inspiration from a similar idea from New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, the office of deputy chief minister Yvette Berry posted Easter egg pictures for downloading and colouring in on its website.

Like the Bear Hunt, families can get some exercise while spotting the designs in Canberra windows.

Alongside her two housemates, Australian National University student Gabrielle Magyary displayed her colouring in from the window of her Ainslie home.

"We have the time and it was a bit of fun," Miss Magyary said.

"It's good to feel like you're part of the community."

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