Businesses beginning to feel economic downturn due to COVID-19

Mount Isa's Coffee Lab store owner Guy Mears said his sales are down 15 percent and expects it to get worse.

"Most businesses owners are really concerned and are witnessing a drop in revenue, I haven't seen anything like this in my six years as owner," Mr Mears said.

"People are concerned, yet no one has been able to explain toilet paper debacle yet.

Mr Mears said it was difficult to see what was going to happen.

"Zambreros is offering rental assistance to certain store owners who are suffering, I am sure more measures will start to be put in place.

"Overall though it's just a strain of the flu and I think the government is over reacting, the ramifications from this down turn are going to get way worse, we could go into an age of depression."

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Xtra Mile coffee shop owner Katrina Gall said she was so lucky Mount Isa has been supportive.

"I think we are really lucky to have the community of Mount Isa, everyone is coming together and helping us out," Ms Gall said.

"Without that attitude we would be in a major issue, however if we go into lockdown we are done. I couldn't see us re-opening.

"Unless we are told to shut down we will rally together and remain open."

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