Council made the decision last week to close its social facilities and said select businesses in the Northern Grampians should follow the advice of the federal and state governments and close from noon on Monday.

After Sunday night's meeting of the state heads, the Prime Minister Scott Morrison ordered clubs and pubs, cinemas and gyms shut down by noon Monday with cafes and restaurants limited to takeaway only.

A council spokeswoman said in a statement the change would affect many businesses in the Northern Grampians Shire and "council will endeavour to assist in any way it can as the pandemic situation continues to evolve."

"For other businesses in our region that will remain open, council urges you to enforce the four-square metre social distancing guidelines and advice on cleaning and disinfecting to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission," she said.

"Council is implementing a plan to help businesses in the region navigate these changes including forming an extended business support team.

"The business support team will be working closely with businesses, regional emergency management and council's environmental health and community safety teams to ensure everyone in the community is best placed to help protect others and comply with the latest rules and regulations.

"Everyone has a responsibility to help flatten the curve by keeping distance between themselves and others, working from home if they can, practising increased levels of hygiene, and not participating in social activities or gatherings."

Northern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Murray Emerson said the government's step of closing certain businesses "shows the seriousness with which social distancing and other health precautions should be treated".

"Following the Premier's announcement (on Monday), I encourage everyone in our region to heed his words and take the messages of social distancing very seriously," he said.

"By ensuring people do not attend these social venues and by people being sensible and avoiding contact with others, we can safeguard our community against the spread of COVID-19."

"These rules need to be followed, they need to be treated with critical importance because this illness is dangerous. By slowing the rate of transmission, we can save lives.

"We are in this together and we have to look after each other. Be kind to the workers of essential businesses staying open, be considerate and think of ways you can help protect the vulnerable and at-risk members of our community."

Council provided the following recommendations for businesses remaining open:

The best place for health advice and the latest updates on the response to Coronavirus in Victoria is the Department of Health and Human Services website - www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

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