BUSINESSES are being encouraged to explore avenues to limit the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
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The Transport Workers Union has advised its bus drivers to no longer accept cash, while KFC has implemented a nation-wide measure to only offer a drive-through service.
Meanwhile, some local businesses are promoting their own delivery services, while others are promoting tap-and-go payment methods.
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Tamworth Business Chamber executive officer Sam Rains said it was pleasing to see businesses do their part to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
"We certainly promote businesses thinking outside the box," Mr Rains told the Leader.
"It's great to see businesses such as Williamsburg offer delivery all over town to help limit the spread, while others, like Carmans, are offering discounts for pick-up orders.
"It's important to keep the risks down, but we are also not trying to incite any kind of fear or panic.
"Honestly, we are looking at business as usual."
In another unprecedented move, several cafes around Tamworth are no longer allowing customers to bring their own refillable keep- cups. "
"Basically, the idea behind that is to try and keep things as clean as possible," Mr Rains said.
"At the end of the day, the cafe owners and staff don't know where that keep-cup has been, so it is better to be on the safe side.
"It's done to ensure the cafes can make everything as clean as possible and that is following the direction from the government, which is exactly what we are advising our members to do."
Farmer Bob's owner Vicki North said her store was doing its best to keep up with demand.
"Fresh fruit, vegetables and meat have been extremely popular," Ms North told the Leader.
"Pumpkin, potatoes and pasta have been the most popular items recently.
"We get our fresh produce delivered twice a week, so we are seeing bare shelves regularly at the moment."
In terms of different practices, Ms North said the business hadn't made any changes to regular operations.
"We're still taking cash and things like that," she said.
"At this point, we're carrying on the same from a business standpoint.
"The only thing that will be different is that from Friday, we will be selling fresh seafood as well.
"That's something we've never done and something that's quite exciting."
Mr Rains said it was more important than ever to "shop local" and support local business.
"We know the major supermarket chains are getting slammed at the moment, but there are plenty of other businesses in town that offer the same products," he said.
"It is certainly worth shopping around and supporting local, because this pandemic is taking a toll on everyone.
"If we do shop locally, we are keeping money in town and helping local businesses and local employees through this tough time."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
