Leaders urge calm, locals unite

"We need to stick together": Jordie Marriott owner of The Cocoa Tree Cafe in Palmwoods urges people to support locals.

HINTERLAND businesses and community leaders urged people to stay calm in the face of fear and deteriorating trading conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hospitality, tourism and retail industries are among the hardest hit by measures announced Sunday by Prime Minister Scott Morrison to control the Coronavirus out- break.

The "stage one" shutdown in Australia includes pubs, clubs, nightclubs, gyms, indoor sporting venues, places of worship, cinemas and entertainment venues.

Restaurants and cafes will only be allowed to provide home delivery or take- away services. Bottleshops can remain open. Other businesses not on the list could stay open, as long as they adhered to social-dis- tancing measures such as ensuring there is four square metres for each person on the premises.
Indoor gatherings are still limited to fewer than 100 people. The latest measures were introduced after people flaunted prior recommendations.

What must close:

• Pubs, clubs, hotels, bars and nightclubs that supply alcohol under a general licence (but bottleshops, takeaway meals and accommodation can continue);

• gyms, indoor sporting centres, casinos;

• cinemas, nightclub or entertainment venue of any kind

• Restaurants and cafes (but takeaways and deliveries can continue);

• Places of worship (but weddings and funerals can continue).

Cafes, bars & restaurants under pressure

LOCAL businesses are bracing for a sharp decline in trade after the Prime Minister's announcement on Sunday of closures to restrict the spread of COVID-19.

Pubs, clubs, hotels, bars and night- clubs that supply alcohol under a general licence were restricted from opening from noon Monday.

Restaurants and cafes are still allowed to serve takeaway drinks and meals. Bottleshops remain open.

Jordie Marriott of the Cocoa Tree Cafe in Palmwoods hoped the commu- nity would get behind local businesses while remaining safe and taking care of vulnerable people.

"We need to stick together, othere- wise we're in trouble," she said.

Jordie said her whole menu was still available and customers could phone ahead to place orders.

"I feel really sorry for bigger busi- nesses that can't do takeaways. Luckily we have a loyal customer base and a lot of our locals have said they will be supportive."