Traffic restrictions and temporary road closures are being considered by Moray Council to ensure physical distancing as lockdown eases.
Changes may result in street closures, additional signage, new pavement markings and other physical distancing measures to ensure a safe transition back to an element of normality.
The council is urging all business owners across the region to complete a short questionnaire to help with its planning.
Officials have stressed that it is “vital” all businesses with a street frontage or access give feedback so the new arrangements can suit as many as possible.
Director of Elgin gents retail shop Sirology, Richard Cumming, says that the potential measures are all about “protecting” people as lockdown is eased.
Mr Cumming said: “Streets will need to be closed if businesses are going to require to have customers queuing outside.
“This is for the safety of the customers and drivers alike but also trying to protect the future of the businesses on and around our great town centre.”
Sarah Medcraf, chief executive of Moray Chamber of Commerce, added: “It’s great that the council are consulting to find out the thoughts of businesses.
“What is most important to the businesses is being able to open safely – for their staff and for their customers.
“Closing roads may be the only suitable option in the short term to adhere to social distancing, but it gives confidence to everyone that we can start begin the new normal.”
A list of consultation questions can be downloaded by visiting www.moray.gov.uk/downloads/file133159.docx.
Answers should be emailed to covid19@moray.gov.uk as soon as possible as the council will be using the information in its planning starting this week.
A council spokesman said: “We are planning to support businesses as best we can as the coronavirus restrictions are relaxed, in terms of enabling space for social distancing and safe operation.”