An eerie quiet has descended on the towns and roads of the Fleurieu as businesses deemed non-essential have closed by federal government decree.

The hardline action taken to slow spread of the corona virus Covid-19 has closed restaurants, pubs, pools, gyms, cinemas and churches across Australia from 12noon today, Monday 23 March.

It affects all entertainment venues, weddings and funerals - other than very small groups with the 4sqM per person rule to apply.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Australian should expect these restrictions to be in place for at least six months.

Many local restaurants and cafes had already moved to a new business model, introducing takeaway and home delivery services to accommodate social distancing measures.

On the south coast Hotel Victor, Eat@Whalers and the Royal Family Hotel are among those to move to the new business model, while cafes and bakeries are only closed for dine-in options and maintain their existing takeaway services.

Nevertheless many people have suddenly lost their jobs and will be forced to rely on welfare services, which the federal government has announced will be made more available.

This has seen long queues forming at Centrelink offices as the Mygov website failed to cope with the level of demand.

Schools remain open for the time being, but many parents have opted for home schooling.

The City of Onkaparinga will close all its libraries from 5.30pm today, 23 March. It will still offer some services, including click and collect borrowing.

The Fleurieu Aquatic Centre has announced it will automatically suspend all memberships during the period of closure.

“There are no confirmed cases of the virus among any Fleurieu Aquatic Centre staff or members.” The centre will remain contactable throughout the closure period and will provide updates as they become available via its website and Facebook page.

The Victor Harbor horse tram service has also closed, while most community sporting competitions had already been suspended due to Covid-19 restrictions.

It seems sadly ironic that in order to save lives we have to give up many of the things that make life worth living, but it will pass and the Fleurieu will survive and thrive.