BUSINESSES across the Gawler region are feeling the pinch of social distancing regulations enforced amid the coronavirus health crisis, with some of the Barossa’s largest wineries shutting up shop while the pandemic takes hold.

The Federal Government has ordered a ban on all non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people in a bid to slow the spread of the coronavirus – or COVID-19 – as it sweeps through the world.

Anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are being told to self-isolate and get tested for the disease, while even healthy people are encouraged to avoid large crowds and keep distance from others.

As a result, traders are seeing a downturn in business as locals decide to stay inside.

Tanunda winery Peter Lehmann Wines was one of the first businesses to take action on Friday, when it announced on its Facebook page it would be closing its cellar door until Saturday, March 21.

“As a family owned business, the health and wellbeing of our people and the communities in which we operate is our number one priority,” the post read.

“Casella Family Brands (Peter Lehmann Wines’ parent company) has begun to take action to help prevent the spread of coronavirusin Australia. We want to act proactively and do our part to responsibly mitigate the impact of Coronavirus on our industry.

“We understand that there will be a mixed response to this decision, but it was made in the best interest of our employees and the people within the local community.”

Earlier the same day, it announced in another post it was cancelling its Bedford Noodle Market event, which was set to be held this weekend.

While some businesses are closing their doors to ride out the virus crisis, others pled on social media for customers to continue to support local traders.

Lyndoch restaurant the Lord Lyndoch posted on Facebook on Friday, calling for locals to continue to patronise the business.

“We have moved into a very difficult time with the Coronavirus affecting our business, like many… other family owned small businesses,” the post read.

“We are hoping to sustain our opening dining hours. Our staff mean the world to us and are standing by our sides. Several of them have been with us for 10 or more years.

“We don’t want to cut their hours. We feel responsible for them to keep them employed.

“I guess what I’m saying is please continue to support local small businesses.”