Frustration is high for Victorian businesses facing a five-day lockdown over what was expected to be a bumper weekend of trading and dining out.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Friday the state would go into a strict lockdown from 11.59pm Friday until Wednesday, as a result of the fast-growing Holiday Inn coronavirus outbreak which now numbers 13 cases.
Owner of Lover restaurant in Windsor, Will Newton, told AAP the lockdown news was "heartbreaking" and "soul destroying", particularly as Valentine's Day this Sunday would have been his busiest day of the year.
The restaurateur will lose up to $40,000 of income just from Sunday alone, as he was booked out for four sittings. Mr Newton said his recovery from the disruption of the pandemic had only just begun in recent weeks.
"We will just go into zombie mode for a few days and have our fingers crossed that is only a pause and not an extended break again," he said.
Lover restaurant will not do takeaway during the lockdown and keep paying staff despite no longer having any financial support from the government.
Mr Newton said he hoped Valentine's Day might be postponed and that people seeking romance would delay their visit, rather than cancel.
Chapel Street Precinct general manager Chrissie Maus said the return of a third, strict lockdown could trigger "trauma".
"Our precinct's focus will be on the mental health and wellbeing of our community, business owners and workers," she said.
Melbourne Lord Mayer Sally Capp called on Victorians to pull together and reduce the spread of the virus but also acknowledged the lockdown was "devastating" for the business community.
"The sooner we can get through the lockdown by doing the right thing, the sooner we can help businesses open their doors again," she said.
Ms Capp said Queen Victoria Market in the CBD would continue trading throughout the lockdown for people to buy fresh food, though other traders would have to close again.
Supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths are expected to introduce product limits to prevent customers hoarding essential items.
Victorian Chamber of Commerce chief executive Paul Guerra said while the lockdown was necessary, businesses could not keep "paying the price for shortcomings" in the state's hotel quarantine system.
"This weekend was slated to be one of our busiest for some time, with the Australian Open and other sporting events, Valentine's Day, weddings and functions planned.
"It's another massive blow to our economy which was just starting to get back on its feet.
The Australian Open tennis tournament, as well as the AFLW and other sporting events, will continue without crowds.
Business Council of Australia chief executive Jennifer Westacott said even a short lockdown would have "monumental social and economic costs".
"Small businesses will now be making decisions about whether to lay-off staff or destroy inventory," she said.
