As coronavirus (COVID-19) precautions increase, Highlands businesses are going to great lengths to ensure the general public's safety.
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From restaurants and bars to spas and sporting facilities, different measures are being rolled out on a daily basis.
Great attention to hygiene detail has always been a priority of Endota Spa Bowral, but the team has boosted their efforts to even greater levels.
Owner Liane Shields said sterilising of surfaces and laundering of towels provided clean and fresh for each client have always been part of daily operations.
However, she said her team had increased the frequency of sterilising with antibacterial cleaning products.
"Staff are extra mindful of increased hygiene - washing hands and additional cleaning of surfaces. Extra time has been allowed for this work," she said.
"They have all been advised that if they are unwell they must liaise with me. Women have a tendency to soldier on when they are unwell but that is not suitable in these current circumstances.
"If customers are unwell we also ask that they call us so that we can reschedule their appointment."
Ms Shields said due to the ever-changing situation she was "staying abreast of current and relevant information so that additional changes could be made as required."
The Bradman Foundation is making the most of its extensive green space to provide a safe haven for people to get out in the fresh air.
Foundation executive director Rina Hore said the outdoor space could provide an outlet for those wanting to walk their dogs, do some exercise or simply sit outside to soak up the sun before it got too cold.
She said extra tables and chairs were being set up outdoors at safe distances apart so people could get outside in the fresh air.
"We have quadrupled our cleaning regime of all surfaces in both the museum and the cafe and we are cleaning tables and chairs after each customer," she said.
"We want to support all the locals that have always supported us. Many of those supporters are older. We don't want to put them in any danger, but we want to provide them with an outlet.
"We will extend tables and chairs out into the green space as far as possible if that ensures the safety of the community and provides a better outlet.
"We will also consider a drop off service and put orders in a safe space without close contact with customer if that is what is required."
Royal Hotel licensee Tim Steele said his pub has introduced five measures to minimise the risk of coronavirus spread.
The business has implemented a policy to wash glasses and cutlery twice and has bought hand sanitiser stations to be placed throughout the hotel.
Mr Steele said all staff would wear gloves when handling all cutlery, this cutlery would be placed into individual sleeves and there would be an increased focus on the cleanliness of all areas of the hotel on a daily basis.
"We've even gone to lengths to order takeaway containers," he said.
"We think if people go into lockdown and things get tough, we're hoping we'll be able to do home delivery."
Mr Steele said venues such as hotels generally offered people a retreat from everyday life.
"We've had a pretty tough few months with bushfires. Pubs and hotels are one of those places people can escape," he said.
Meanwhile Burrawang Hotel manager Charlie Cook said the business has taken additional steps to ensure the safety of patrons.
The business has ordered hand sanitisers for the hotel and has doubled its cleanliness efforts.
Mr Cook said the business had been affected by the cancellation of the Burrawang Easter Market in response to coronavirus concerns.
"That's our busiest day. We're hoping people still come in [and support the business]," he said.
Bowral Bites and Drinks owner Edward Ross said the coronavirus had an impact on its business, as well as the broader local economy.
"Basically business is down by 95 per cent," Mr Ross said.
"Our local economy, which is basically self-retired people, are on superannuation and their income is slashed."
Mr Ross said the team would continue follow official guidelines related to hygiene practices.
"We're using sanitisers to clean up when customers leave. We wipe down all of the tables and chairs," he said.
We'd love to hear about what your business is doing to improve the situation for customers. We'll be providing more updates as we get them. Visit: www.southernhighlandnews.com.au/community/send-us-your-news
