Cafes in Launceston are now bereft of the chatter of many a social catchup, as more people practice social distancing and self-isolation during the coronavirus.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Co-owner of Cimitiere Street's Bread and Butter Olivia Morrison said the business had experienced a significant drop-off in physical customers in the past week.
"There's lots of people coming in, grabbing bits and pieces, and then heading off so we're trying to make it as easy as possible to make sure people get what they need and leave," she said.
Coronavirus: All the latest updates on COVID-19 for Tasmania
Fewer customers has brought challenges where staffing is concerned. Ms Morrison said its called for tough, but necessary steps to ensure the business remained open long-term.
"Our main goal is to look after the welfare of the people that work in our business and also have a balance with the sustainability of getting through this," she said.
"If it gets to a stage ... we might have to drop everyone's hours a little bit, but that means the burden is spread across the 30 staff we've got."
Bread and Butter, like many similar businesses, has adapted to circumstances, adding an online order pickup system for customers.
"We have everything ready for you and you can just grab it," Ms Morrison said.
"One of our main goals when we opened was to have fresh bread for the community everyday so we're going to do that as best we can."
IN OTHER NEWS:
The business is also offering free coffee to hospitality workers as well as those who are now without work.
Bread and Butter's George Street cheese shop will close indefinitely. However, Ms Morrison has hinted at possibly allowing Harvest Market stallholders to use the space, given the market's postponement.
A cafe regular also donated a bike to the business, which may be used for a home delivery service.