Kristi Harrower's Boost Juice store in Lansell Square was reduced to $30 in sales in two hours after the post, which concerned an alleged COVID-19 case.

"Nobody has tested positive at my store," Ms Harrower said.

"It's just wrong."

She said she would not put her staff, her customers or her community at risk by keeping the store open if there was a positive case.

Ms Harrower became aware of the rumour because centre management called her with concerns.

She said her business was still hurting, days later.

"That's how much it affects a business," Ms Harrower said.

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She said COVID-19 was very, very serious - too serious for people to be posting rumours on social media.

Ms Harrower understood the Facebook page responsible for the post thought it was doing the community a service.

But she said confirmation of COVID-19 outbreaks should be coming from official sources, such as government and the media.

"It causes panic within the community," Ms Harrower said of spreading rumours on social media.

"I just think it should be shut down."

The Facebook user responsible for the post has deleted it and published an apology.

"I genuinely regret my actions," they told the Bendigo Advertiser.

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