There was great confusion on Sunday night about the Victorian Premier’s announcement about the closure of non-essential activity and what this meant.
This was further confused by the Prime Minister’s late night announcement on Sunday.
We now have clarity: there are only certain businesses that currently need to close. These are outlined in the Victoria Government Gazette.
The closure of these businesses has put people out of work and has devastated many. This are hard times and I really feel for people who had to close up yesterday not knowing when they will be able to re-open.
The key message at the moment is: stay away from other people; do not risk spreading the infection; stay home if you can; only go out when necessary; do not get Corona’d!
Here is the government order. It came into force Monday 23 March at 12pm in Victoria.
The purpose of the order is to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Victoria.
The order notes that all businesses remaining open MUST comply with the Mass Gathering Directions (2) that specify no more than 100 people in any enclosed space, and that there must be 4 square metres for every person inside the space.
The order specifies that the following non-essential businesses must close whether operated on a for profit or not-for-profit basis:
– a business characterised as a pub, bar or club that supplies alcohol under a general licence, an on-premises licence or a club licence, EXCEPT any part of the business constituted by a bottleshop;
– a hotel, whether licensed or unlicensed, EXCEPT for providing accommodation, takeaway meals or a meal delivery service or bottleshop;
– a gym
– an indoor sporting centre;
– a casino;
– a cinema, nightclub or entertainment venue of any kind;
– a restaurant or cafe, EXCEPT for providing takeaway meals or a meal delivery service;
– a place of worship, EXCEPT for weddings or funerals.
The order runs until midnight on 13 April.
Moonee Valley Council has announced the following closures:
As of midday Monday, 23 March 2020:
- Ascot Vale Leisure Centre is closed to the public.
- The Riverside mini golf and restaurant are closed to the public.
- The Riverside Driving Range remains closed to the public.
- Sports grounds and parks are now closed for formal use (this includes events, personal training or club training).
- All Council buildings
- libraries
- halls
- neighbourhood centres.
The Riverside golf course will continue to operate, with a range of measures in place to minimise the risk of virus spread.
Shops and other businesses are still open including Vets, Doctors, food stores, department stores.
But distancing rules must be applied. Use delivery were you can. Tomorrow, I’ll post a list of local businesses offering deliveries.
Stay well out there.
Moonee Valley Blog 