It didn't matter if you wanted a burger, a beer or a bank, shoppers around Mount Isa were confronted with new realities on Tuesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The biggest casualties of Monday's government order to shut all non essential services were the pubs, clubs and hotels.
The Isa Hotel was closed off "until further notice" as was the Buffs Club apart from its drive through bottle shop.
The Irish Club's bottle shop also remained open and it was offering takeaway services only between 5-9pm.
The Coffee Club advised it was open for take aways on reduced hours until Thursday and they would provide further advice about weekend openings.
McDonalds and KFC remain open but offering take away services only as is Nifty's Cafe.
At Dominos a sign asked people who placed their order to wait outside until ready for pick-up and to watch the order screen and listen for their order.
The sign on the Ichiban Japanese takeway advised the owners were shutting down on March 23 until further notice.due to the "unpredictable risk" of COVID-19.
Marnie's Hair Needs remained open but the sign advised anyone with COVID-19 symptoms to stay away and self isolate "or you may be asked to leave".
At the Commonwealth Bank a security guard was at the front along with signs saying only only six people were allowed into the branch at any one time.
READ ALSO:
The office front at LJ Hooker had a sign asking people only with scheduled appointments to come inside, and for other matters they advised ringing or emailing the office.
LJH had cancelled open homes,though sales showings were going ahead and rental showings were being evaluated on a daily basis.
Bunnings Mount Isa was open but their sign said in store activities were suspended including family nights and DIY workshops.
Mount Isa Cinema is closed until further notice.
Local chamber Commerce North West is advising its members that if they are in financial distress, the federal government has released a $66 billion stimulus package designed to keep business open and people employed.
The North West Star is asking open businesses to fill out a form and tell us what you are doing.
We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we aim to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
