Covid-19 crisis takes toll on local businesses

Residents are being urged to minimise travel, increase personal awareness around hand hygiene and practice social distancing.

The spread of COVID-19 appears relatively slow with only 94 cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) for Victoria at time of printing and 210 confirmed for New South Wales.

Fear appears to be spreading much quicker than any virus could dream of, and local stores are feeling the effects. Barham Meats owner Bruce Bott has seen an influx of customers from neighbouring towns in search of meat. Local buyers are also upping their orders, some returning later in the day for a second run for the deep freezer.

Supermarkets are also feeling the demand as hand sanitiser, pasta and rice all fly off the shop shelves.

Travellers from Bendigo spoke of empty shop shelves and butchers closing at 2pm as they had run out of goods to sell. Panic buying has also spread to deep freezers.

Many businesses will be hurt as spending grinds to a halt. Barham local My World Travel has been devastated by the closing of international borders, flights and holidays. Months of business and revenue snatched away from great little local business owners like Desi.

Events across the region are being cancelled, football training and games for Koondrook Barham Raiders is on hold, Moulamein Football Netball club have suspended both football and netball until further notice. The Wakool Fishing Competition, Cohuna Show, Deniliquin Rodeo have all been added to the growing list, many of these events are the major fundraiser for clubs or community events.

It is important to limit the spread of the virus and protect those who are most vulnerable.

Look out for those around you, a simple phone call could help someone who is going without because of the risks to their health.

Tips to reduce potential for transmission of the virus:

• Avoiding crowds and mass gatherings,
• Avoiding small gatherings in enclosed spaces,
• Keep a distance of 1.5 metres between themselves and other people,
• Avoiding shaking hands, hugging, or kissing other people,
• Avoiding visiting vulnerable people, such as those in aged care facilities or hospitals.

SOURCE: NSW Dept of Health