Craig Lloyd, Murrindindi Shire CEO

Effects of the panic surrounding the Corona-virus (COVID-19) pandemic have had serious effects across the region.

A suggested ban of mass gatherings of 500 or more people, announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, took effect on Monday (Mar. 16).

A large number of community events have been postponed.

Panic buying of foods and household supplies continues.

Supermarkets throughout the region have had limited supplies of toilet paper and tissues. Shelves were emptied after a rush on Sunday, following a message from Victoria’s Chief Medical Officer that families should buy two weeks’ worth of food.

Shoppers stocked up on tinned foods, non-perishables, meats, fruits and vegetables.

The independent Foodworks supermarkets – at Alexandra, Eildon, Mansfield, Marysville Mt Buller and Yea – have had difficulties in obtaining deliveries of toilet paper and tissues for the past 10 days.

It is believed that major chains such as Coles and Woolworths have applied pressure on suppliers to obtain all available supplies.

Meanwhile, the Mt Cathedral Community Baptist Church says it wants to stand as a pillar of hope and light.

“Sadly, we cannot supply much by means of home supplies, for example, toilet paper, sanitiser, etc. because we have been unable to acquire any, but we can help in other practical ways,” says pastor, Daniel Kriss.

“For those who are fearful of venturing outdoors, we have people available to assist with collecting groceries and/or meeting other practical needs.

“For those who would like someone to pray for/with them, I would be glad to visit and provide some hope and comfort in this way ,” Mr Kriss said.

Sporting organisations were advised to “place hand sanitisers around the change room and encourage use of them”. One difficulty has been that supermarkets and pharmacies have sold out of sanitisers.

In Murrindindi Shire, this coming Sunday’s Kinglake Country Fair has been postponed.

Murrindindi Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Craig Lloyd, said: “This is a sad decision given the enormous amount of work the Committee and volunteers have put in, but the right decision based on the Governments latest advice.”

Whittlesea Council cancelled last Sunday’s Community Festival.

At Whittlesea Baker’s Delight bakery, after an early sell-out, an extra bake of loaves was completed on Sunday afternoon, with the store staying open until 7pm.

Mitchell Shire Council has cancelled a number of upcoming events and activities including the Multicultural Festival, Youth Week activities and the school holiday program.

As a precaution, youth rooms in Broadford and Wallan will close; library home visits have been cancelled and the planned digital marketing workshops will not proceed in the short term.

At this stage, both the Seymour Aquatic and Sports Centre and Kilmore Leisure Centre will remain open. Indoor pools and gyms will remain open, however, extra staff will be deployed to ensure gym-goers wipe down equipment before and after use.

It is ‘business as usual’ for other services including kerbside waste collection, resource recovery centres, kindergartens, maternal and child health, immunisation, libraries and customer service will continue.

Mitchell Council is also activating its pandemic plan to maintain critical services wherever possible in the coming weeks.

“The situation is changing rapidly, and we will continue to monitor and take advice from the State and Federal Governments and our own health experts over coming days and weeks.

“These cancellations are likely to be the first of many impacts across our community,” said Cr David Lowe, Mitchell Shire Mayor.

“It is disappointing to have to cancel, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Particularly as so much work has gone into these events from members of the community, businesses and Council staff.

“We are working very hard behind the scenes to be ready for more widespread impacts and to keep essential services operating wherever possible.”

McEwen MHR Rob Mitchell said: “Our community is facing a complex situation as we take all necessary steps to deal with the circumstances surrounding the spread of COVID-19.

“It is evolving quickly, and it is important we continue to operate on the basis of the most up to date medical advice.

“I welcome the Government’s announcement of $205 million for 100-pop up clinics led by GPs and nurses to take the pressure off the hospital system now.

“That said, I am very concerned that the Government says it might take up to six weeks for some of these clinics to be operational.

“That is just too long, especially in growth communities like ours across McEwen,” Mr Mitchell said.

Mr Mitchell has already written to Health Minister Greg Hunt, seeking assurance that communities like those across McEwen already experiencing access gaps for health services are a priority for pop-up services.suburbs