It's estimated the tourism and hospitality industry in Tropical North Queensland is losing $10 million a day due to the lockdown in Cairns.
Meanwhile, uncertainty still looms as to whether our stay-at-home order will be extended.
Many businesses have had to simply shut up shop, and without JobKeeper, are struggling to pay wages and hold onto trained staff.
This, off the back of significant downturns in trade from lockdowns further south, really has businesses up against the wall.
Even if you aren't directly impacted, they're the jobs of your friends, family and community members.
There are real fears some businesses just won't survive and the trickle effect will have an impact on us all.
But there are ways you can help.
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While the State Government has offered a support package, industry leaders want wage subsidies.
So firstly, put pressure on your local politicians to implement similar to the JobSaver scheme, which is currently operating in New South Wales.
Get in touch with the Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch, the State Member for Cairns Michael Healy, the State Member for Barron River Craig Crawford, and the State Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt.
Tell them your stories.
Secondly, buy local! It's in all of our best interests.
While many food and beverage outlets can no longer have seated patrons, many have pivoted to take-aways and other exciting lockdown specials.
Tropic Now has rounded up some of the best.
Laneway Cairns
The bar is closed but Laneway Cairns – next door to Motel Nomad on Mulgrave Road in Bungalow – is still doing takeaways.
Between 10am and 4pm you can pick up craft beers and natural and organic wines.
Text your pre-order to Matty on 0430 325 159.
MORE: @lanewaycairns
Guyala/Smoky Pete's
You can still pick up takeaway coffee and food from Guyala on the northern end of the Esplanade.
Plus, in the evening they're partnering with Smoky Pete's and their menu of cured and slow-cooked meats.
Choose from a couple's pack, a family dinner or a bushman's feast.
You just need to order by 8pm through 0450 582 040.
MORE: @guyalacafe @smokypetes
Wolf Lane Distillery
While Wolf Lane, The Fox, Three Wolves and Flamingoes Tiki Bar remain shut, our local gin gurus are offering 15% off online orders and free delivery Australia wide.
Lockdown doesn't seem so bad with a deal like that.
Use the code Trop15 at checkout.
Distil on the Hill
They've only just launched and already plunged into lockdown.
No worries, it's an opportunity for us to save some coin on their boutique gin.
Their lockdown special includes a 20% discount if you purchase two bottles or more.
Use the downtime to get your Christmas gifts sorted ... or maybe just buy for yourself.
MORE: distilonthehill.com
Nu Nu Restaurant's Night In
We've been told to keep an eye out for a 'Nu Nu Night In' menu later in the week.
You can also pick up one of their delicious loaves of house-cooked bread, if you get in quick enough.
MORE: @nunurestaurant
Tattooed Sailor Coffee Roasters/Newell St Cafe
TSCR remains open as per its normal hours, offering takeaway coffee and gourmet sangas from its Newell St Cafe in-store.
You can also order their locally-roasted beans online, or maybe even a cheeky coffee body scrub.
White Whale Coffee Roasters
Who knew you could get fresh locally-roasted coffee delivered to your door for free!?
White Whale also have $100 app credit up for grabs for those who make an order in August.
Their Portsmith roastery and Edge Hill espresso bar, Teddy, are also open for take-away treats.
MORE: @whitewhale_cairns
Scoo Brew Kombucha
Avoiding supermarkets at the moment?
All of our local grocers and fruit and veg stores remain open, with most of them stocking the delicious booch from our friends at Scoo Brew.
Find a list of stockists on their website.
MORE: @scoobrewkombucha
Muddy's Cafe
One of our favourite all-day eating houses isn't slowing down during lockdown.
The Muddy's team is still slinging delicious food, including its range of $10 tacos for Taco Tuesday tonight!
You can order via Uber Eats or call 4051 0388 to pick-up.
MORE: @muddyscafe
Hemingway's Brewery
Hemingway's is another local haunt that's sadly had to close its doors, but you can still grab their brews via their website or at Dan Murphy's.
They've recently released a new Bull Horn Robust Porter too!
Govinda's Yummies
Missing your weekly samosas from Rusty's already? The Tropic team certainly is.
You can place an order via DMs to get the good stuff delivered on Thursday, Friday or Saturday.
No delivery fee with a minimum $20 order.
MORE: @govindas.yummies
Hopscotch
Download the Hopscotch @ Home (Apple and Google Play) and get fresh pizza and pasta delivered straight to your door.
Free delivery within a 10 kilometre radius of their Earlville location.
We've even heard rumours Nonna will shout dessert to fully vaccinated customers ...
MORE: @hopscotchcairns
7 Spices
Indian is always better ordered from your local takeaway than homemade.
7 Spices are offering 15% off for your first online order, with both delivery and pick-up available.
MORE: 7spicescairns.com.au
You can find a stack more takeaway specials on the Takeaway Food Cairns Facebook page, as well as Tablelands to Tabletop fruit and veg deliveries for those bunkering down.
