As the coronavirus continues to infect people around the world, it's causing governments to restrict people's movements.
Cities, states and even whole countries have been placed on lockdown, with many told not to leave the house for two weeks to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
As a result, loads of small businesses such as restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and boutiques are suffering from the massive drop in foot traffic.
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But there are ways to ensure your favourite place to get a coffee or hair cut can survive during the pandemic.
Gift Cards
These are usually purchasable online (if the business has an online presence) and allow you to give them some money while promising to spend with them later.
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If you can't buy one online then you can always give them a call and they'll likely be able to do the payment over the phone.
Whether you want to flick them a couple of bucks or make a big pledge is up to you, but this is a very quick and simple way of helping inject some funds into a business.
Just double check with them that the money goes into their account once you've made the payment rather than when you actually use the gift card.
Use Local Australian Suppliers
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While it can be tempting to jump online and look for the cheapest way to get what you need, for just a few more dollars you can select an Aussie provider and keep them running.
If you're using a small-scale store that needs the cash, it will go much further than if you choose a massive company that isn't as badly affected by the pandemic.
Buy Merch
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Loads of musicians have had to cancel their shows or festivals as a result of government legislation trying to keep safety as a priority.
It means you can't scream at the top of your lungs to My Chemical Romance or slip and slide in the mud at Splendour in the Grass.
It's a huge loss to the bands and artists who depend on these gigs to keep themselves going.
If you buy their official merchandise online, then you'll be donating towards keeping your favourite artists going and ensuring that cancelled or postponed events will be able to continue in the future.
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Order Food Online
Many people have been flooding into supermarkets to stockpile as much food as they can possibly carry. Having loads of rice, pasta and toilet paper will allow you to get through a 14-day self-isolation period easily.
However, if you want the pizza joint that's around the corner from your apartment to stay open, then you should order from them.
It doesn't have to be every night but a few orders here and there will mean they will be able to weather this pandemic.
Tip, Tip, Tip
Delivery workers have the weight of the world on them now as people are depending on their services now more than ever.
You can ask them to leave deliverables outside and then give them cash (make sure you keep it clean) through the door, if you're concerned about self-isolating.
If you're not self-isolating, then when the bill comes at your local bar, cafe or restaurant, spare some extra cash as it will either go towards someone who might be a casual worker or go into the business to keep it going.
If you have any other tips please leave a comment on the Facebook page as it will get the word out to others.
Topics: News, Interesting, Coronavirus, Australia