Amidst social distancing restrictions, widespread shutdowns and unemployment the possibility of a recession is weighing on the minds of our business sector.
But surveys show the coronavirus crisis should have a short-term impact and need not have a long-lasting influence on the Peel economy.
In a recent survey by the Peel Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 72 per cent of businesses indicated that they are still operating and have not had to close their business during COVID-19 restrictions.
According to the survey, 51 per cent of local businesses also only suffered a loss of no more than 25 per cent of future bookings or orders and 30 per cent stated no change to their business operations, workloads or future prospects in the short term.
Peel Chamber of Commerce and Industry manager Andrew McKerrell said the outcome is more positive than he was expecting.
"Over the past six weeks results are trending towards the positive as regions consolidate their business plans and their structure," he said.
"I think the fact that 72 per cent of respondents indicated that they are open or will be able to open again is extremely promising for the Peel region."
This view is echoed by WA statistics as the state's Regional Chambers of Commerce and Industry recently polled 371 businesses and over three-quarters said they were confident they would outlast the pandemic.
This growing confidence is attributed to low COVID-19 cases, community support and government financial assistance such as the JobKeeper program.
Counting herself among the optimistic business owners is Cheryl de Vasconcellos, who was able to reopen the doors to DPM Cafe on Anzac Day.
"The future is uncertain and closing our doors was a sad and stressful decision," she said.
"However, since our reopening we have had a huge amount of community support which has allowed us to believe we can actually survive this.
"We have amazing staff who have stood by us during this difficult period and with hard work, smiles and no doubt some tears, we all step forward with cautious optimism."
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With national cabinet set to meet on Tuesday and Friday to make decisions on phasing out social distancing guidelines the Peel Chamber of Commerce and Industry is hopeful that businesses can return to some sense of normal soon.
"Once all of these restrictions are lifted I would estimate a three month period for businesses to return to a positive normal," Mr McKerrell said.
"The sooner we can start reopening more businesses the better."
