Another Lismore small business has made the decision to close its doors, the good news is that it is only temporary.

Mecca Cafe on Magellan Street is the second small business to farewell customers in two days with the Garden Plate (also on Magellan Street) shutting down yesterday. This follows other businesses that have already closed including Uncle Lims and Mandarin Palace as well as forced closures for companies like Rollerworld and our pubs and clubs.

(the bustling Mecca Cafe in happier times)

Owner Kelly Casey-Mclean said the decision was not purely financial.

"We are asked to practice social distancing and stay at home as much as possible so we have made the decision to look after our family and our staff by doing this, starting today", she said.

"We have not had a holiday since 2017 so now we will spend time with the children at home and help with their on-line schooling"

"As a business owner and a mother this is a tough call but it is time to re-calibrate", Kelly explained.

The temporary closure is for an initial two weeks which will be re-assessed as the coronavirus story unfolds.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said earlier today that NSW has added 212 new cases in the last 24 hours bring the total of confirmed coronavirus cases to 1617. The death toll stands at 8 after a 91 year old woman died yesterday.

In the Northern NSW Local Health District the number of confirmed cases sits at 25 with no deaths recorded.

For those businesses that decide to remain open, times are tough with trade down 50%. A reminder that you can support them via the Lismore App's yellow Takeaway/Home Delivery button. You can order food, coffees, bedding , soil for the garden and more.

All businesses have measure in place to protect you from coronavirus and practice the suggested good hygiene practises.

The Lismore App wants to remind you to support local businesses at this time. Your patronage keeps the doors open and protects the livelihoods of people in our community.