Like many local business owners, Hope and Me's Lindi McMahon has started seeing a dip in visitation due to public concerns around the coronavirus.
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"It's definitely quiet out there ... we've definitely noticed that foot traffic has dropped," she said.
"I know other businesses are feeling it already, even though we're only a week into it."
Ms McMahon, along with many owners is joining Cityprom and the Launceston Chamber of Commerce in promoting the Launceston community buy local, where possible.
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She said given the significance of small business in Tasmania, everyone would feel the strain should local businesses continue to suffer.
"We have to realise that 95 per cent of businesses in Tasmania are small businesses so it's basically the backbone of our community," she said.
"We all employ people and they're like family to us, they're not employees. If people do start losing jobs, it's your brother, your sister, your mum, your dad or your uncle - it's your community.
"If our community can support us, then I think you're basically supporting everyone."
Hope and Me has had an online store for about eight years, Ms McMahon said.
We all employ people and they're like family to us, they're not employees. If people do start losing jobs, it's your brother, your sister, your mum, your dad or your uncle - it's your community.
- Lindi McMahon
She advised other businesses look to providing alternate ways of distributing their wares or services.
"There are so many options ... I would happily deliver a product to somebody and because we're small businesses we do that sort of thing - it's our community so we'll help them," she said.
"People are being very proactive, our restaurants are starting to do takeaway and people are increasing their online presence.
"If it's an elderly person I know there's a hairdresser that's going to houses to do hair, it's all about trying to do things to help the community and make them feel safer so they can still support us."
While the drop in patronage has yet to impact Ms McMahon's staffing of her business, she said she knew of other business owners who have needed to cut the hours and shifts of their workers.
"The heartwarming thing is that businesses are starting to work together because we're all in this together ... if owners and Cityprom, the Chamber and council have the same message then it's a positive for all of us," she said.
Launceston Chamber of Commerce executive officer Neil Grose said it was important that consumers remain calm and not let panic come at the cost of the local economy.
"We just have to be careful about closing borders and getting too panicky about those things because we have a way of life and an economy to protect" Mr Grose said.