My Kitchen Rules celebrity chef Colin Fassnidge has revealed that restaurants across Sydney are preparing for a shutdown.

“We’ve been told on the quiet to be ready to close down Sunday – that’s restaurants, pubs and clubs,” he said.

The comments come just days after New York City mayor Bill de Blasio ordered the closure of all dine-in restaurants, bars and cafes across the city.

Like many hospitality venues, Fassnidge will move his suburban diner, By Fassnidge at the Banksia Bistro, towards a takeaway offering.

“We’re going to try and keep the business going and serve food pre-packed so you don’t have to come in,” he said.

“No one is going to make any money but we don’t want people losing out, it’s all about keeping our casual staff still rolling.”

As many restaurants and cafes look to new ways to stay afloat, Fassnidge implores Australians to support their local venues.

“The next few weeks are going to be tough,” he said.

“I think a lot of the restaurants are going to be doing home delivery and takeaway – so everyone should support the local restaurants and cafes and just get takeaway. You don’t even have to go in and sit down”.

Currently, there is no official word on a lockdown. Many restaurants and bars have already implemented precautionary measures so diners can practice social distancing while they dine. Another way you can support the Australian hospitality industry is to order food for pick-up and takeaway, see the full list here.