Prime Minister Scott Morrison made it clear we should not take jobs for granted.

"Every day someone is in a job for another day is worth fighting for," he said.

It's rare to hear a prime minister use emotive language like he did on Friday when he described the health and economic impacts as "enemies", "devastating".

"We are in two fights, we are battling this on two fronts," he said. "Both (the impacts of the virus and the economy) will take lives. Both will take livelihoods. It's important we keep our focus on both enemies."

It is terribly upsetting for those without jobs after clubs, pubs, restaurants and beauty businesses closed this week as restrictions were put in place aimed at stopping the spread of the virus. Our thoughts are with you and as a community we need to support you. But sadly, there will be more closures in the weeks ahead.

That's why Mr Morrison promised a "business hibernation plan" to help businesses come back after we weather the virus.

At a time when south-west residents are worried sick about their futures, it's somewhat re-assuring landlords will be prevented from evicting residential and commercial tenants and that banks will give home-owners and business operators breathing space.

Closer to home, Corangamite Shire announced it would not charge interest on missed rates payments. Further, it will work to not increase rates next financial year.

Warrnambool City Council earlier this week introduced free car parking as a measure to help CBD trading. But it would not be drawn on further help until later in the week when it said it would consider deferral of rates for property owners experiencing hardship as a result of COVID-19.

"At this stage council is not proposing a wholesale deferral of rates as each individual's circumstances are different," the city said. In times like these residents and ratepayers need support and compassion from all levels of government. We need reassurance. We need hope. As Mr Morrison said, we are all in this together.