COVID-19 Update: 26 March

Scentre Group CEO Peter Allen said: 'Based on the Federal Government's latest guidance, our shopping centres remain open as they provide essential activities.

'We all have a role to play in keeping people employed during this very difficult period for all businesses across the economy. Our industry and our company is acutely aware of this.

'Our centres include supermarkets, food and grocery stores, pharmacies, medical centres and other retail stores including department stores, discount department stores and apparel that provide essential and valued services to our communities as well as retail jobs.

'We acknowledge these unprecedented times and government measures are being put into place to manage the health and wellbeing of Australians and promote social distancing. We have rapidly implemented these into our operations.

'Some retailers will need to close to meet government requirements as they are announced.

'We are not asking other retailers to close nor is the Government. It is entirely the decision of individual retailers if they choose to for their own reasons. We have been flexible with opening hours for our retailers.

'We are committed to working with financial institutions and our retailers on commercial arrangements - with a particular focus on small to medium sized businesses - to help them get through to the other side.

'We have 3,600 retailers and 12,000 stores and we are working through this to ensure we all come out stronger on the other side.'

The retail industry is one of the country's largest employers, especially casual employees.