Queensland's event industry is on the brink of collapse with estimated losses from coronavirus cancellations topping $10 million.
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The federal government has banned all non-essential indoor gatherings of more than 100 people along with outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people.
The cancellations and postponements in the wake of the ban have crippled the industry with estimated losses expected to be more than $10 million over the next six months.
Owner of Brisbane's event theming and hire company The Prop House, Jano Kotzas, says the situation is dire - far worse than the economic pain of the global financial crisis.
"Basically from Monday, business flatlined. The only phone calls and emails we have had are cancellations and postponements," she told AAP.
In just four days, about $500,000 was wiped off the company books as events planned for the next three months were canned.
With 15 staff, Ms Katzos is in daily communication with her bank manager and hopes her business will survive.
"It is dire, and there is no way of knowing what is going to happen."
Brisbane catering company Wine & Dine'm owner Craig Fox has lost corporate contracts and bookings for at least the next three months.
"I've been through the GFC and the floods, but I have never seen anything like this hit the business so quickly. In the GFC, we were among this last to be hit. This time, I think we are the first," he told AAP.
With a staff of 60 casual and 15 full-time employees, his top priority has been his staff.
"I need to care for my people first and foremost," Mr Fox said.
The caterer on Tuesday launched an express gourmet delivery service targeting people in self-isolation or working from home.
"It's a temporary service for one reason and one reason only - to pay my staff. They are my number one priority."
The effects of the coronavirus are far-reaching and have sparked numerous precautionary measures.
Queensland now has sweeping new powers to fight the illness, including being able to hit people with hefty fines if they fail to follow health orders.
Emergency officers can also direct businesses such as supermarkets to open and close, and control public access to those businesses.
Health authorities have been given new powers to order individuals into isolation, and to fine people more than $13,000 if they defy such orders.
Parliament will be able to sit via electronic channels under changes passed in parliament on Wednesday night.
Australian Associated Press
