In addition to asking their customers to take standard precautions (washing their hands, staying at home if they are unwell and so on), many businesses are temporarily rejecting Keep Cups or asking customers to hold the lid as their cup is filled. Some are choosing single-use utensils for dining in and stating a preference for contactless tap-and-go payments rather than cash.

Others have reduced the number of tables to better achieve "social distance". Instead of causing a scene and insulting a hard-working employee because you are in some way inconvenienced, stop and take a breath. Better still, be prepared.

Corey Crooks, owner of The Grain Store, said it well: "Buy local.... support local. We appreciate your support during this uncertain time and encourage everyone to remain calm, stay safe and continue to support the many wonderful local family owned and operated businesses."

There has been talk that restaurants, pubs and nightclubs could be forced to close in response to COVID-19. Let's hope it doesn't come to that. Please support local businesses while you can, how you can.

In addition to dining specials there are other initiatives from the more forward-thinking business owners. These are evolving by the day in response to the pandemic. There is a renewed focus on home deliveries. This does, however, depend on your proximity to the restaurants involved. Ask your local if they deliver or would consider delivering.

Luke Tilse, of The Happy Wombat, is thinking ahead: "If the government decides to shut all bars and restaurants in the coming days or weeks, we'll be setting up a few contingencies to ensure you can get your Wombat fix. Firstly, we will attempt to set up the Little Burrow (our coffee cart) out the front for take away coffee sales, and possibly food. Secondly, we will be setting up a daily delivery period for nightly dinners while you are all holed up in quarantine. Think a roast dinner, oxtail soup, beef stroganoff etc. We'll do an entree, main, and dessert each day, post what we have for the night, and deliver to your door direct."

The Happy Wombat is also hosting a Mini Beer Fest this Saturday, March 21, noon to 4pm, with 4 Breweries, live music and "general good vibes". And they've installed a hand wash station, as has The Crown & Anchor Hotel.

Napoli Centrale has introduced no-contact home delivery. You can choose to either greet the delivery driver at your door or roadside or have no contact at all by instructing them to leave your order outside your front door. Domino's has also introduced a "zero contact delivery" option when ordering online. Susuru has also embraced "contactless" home delivery (and has a tasty new vegan ramen on offer for a limited time).

The Humble Thai in Newcastle is now offering home delivery every day except Tuesday. Newcastle Food & Flower Market delivers weekly Boxes of Goodness free; will be open for breakfast and brunch this Sunday, March 22, for the first time; and has introduced Coffee On The Run - text 0404 013 629 with your order, name, make of car and registration and staff will run your goodies out to you.

Morpeth's Swan St Deli & Larder, in conjunction with SPAR Express, are offering a home delivery service to those self isolating, the elderly and the vulnerable. Monday to Friday orders must be in by 10am. Phone 4933 3249, email deli@angusfoundation.net or send a message via their Facebook page.

Little Bone Broth Co offers home delivery of their organic chicken bone broth (perfect to make an immune-boosting chicken soup). Their next delivery date is March 28. The jars of broth are sold as a frozen product so you can leave an esky or cooler bag outside. Orders close on March 24 unless sold out prior.

The Butchery on Brunker at Adamstown has announced that self-isolated and immune-compromised people can pay and order home delivery online (the-butchery-on-brunker.myshopify.com) or over the phone (4957 5470). In fact, make your local butcher your first choice if you need supplies. The major supermarkets are all but empty.

Newy Burger Co is open for business and making an effort to support other local businesses and their staff by dining out and naming each destination on their Facebook page. They have also reduced their delivery minimum to $25.

Cafe Williams & Co at Cessnock is recruiting Hunter Region suppliers where possible, for example, Hunter Valley Brownies. If you fit the bill, contact the cafe direct.

Hong Kong Chef at Kotara and East Maitland have launched all-day free home delivery. YumboRama delivers meals to your home ready to heat and eat, or stock in the freezer, and Seed Cafe at Swansea and Marks Point Post Office & Cafe offer quality take-home meals.

Milky Lane is putting pressure on Uber Eats to consider dropping their delivery fee or reducing their 35 per cent commission to save restaurants and increase deliveries.

The team at Pino's Italian restaurant, Islington, are spreading their wings. They have taken over the Family Hotel Newcastle's kitchen and are flipping vegan burgers Tuesday to Saturday, 5.30pm until late. It's called Pino's Hot Buns. Pino's is also launching a Mexican and South American cantina at the Cambridge Hotel called Jalapino's. "Our brand is fully vegan," chef and owner Dion told Food & Wine. "The expansion comes so people have the option to become vegan and enjoy a variety of foods especially designed and catered for plant based diets. A lot of places aren't hitting the mark. Islington will stay and start serving vegan wines."

New cafe and coffee house Maddz on York opens on Wednesday, March 18, at 40 York Street, Teralba. Check it out.

Kawul restaurant is moving to Calais Estate on Palmers Lane at Pokolbin.

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