SUNRAYSIA’S hospitality industry will be hit hard again by stage 3 coronavirus restrictions.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced Sunday from 11.59pm Wednesday regional Victoria will enter similar restrictions to what were enforced when the COVID-19 pandemic first resulted in a state of emergency being called for Victoria in March.
This means people can leave their homes for shopping for food and essential items, care and caregiving, daily exercise and work and study if that cannot be done from home for six weeks until September 13.
Restaurants and cafes will only be able to offer delivery and takeaway, but for establishments such as The Sandbar Pub Mildura that would not be viable according to owner Malcolm Kalms.
“We’ll shut for six weeks, the same as last time,” he said.
“You close your doors, your casuals — the casuals you just put back on — you put them back off again.
“It’s devastating for everybody, even your permanent part timers who were getting their full pay again they have to go back to Jobkeeper, then you’ve got all your distribution centres like your Mallee Meats and Mallee Foods, they are back to square one, they’ve got no income.”
Mr Kalms feared the ramifications of the new restrictions for the district and key industries as a whole.
“It’s a devastating blow for the whole hospitality industry, and tourism as well,” he said.
“That’s what Mildura relies on, so many people come to Mildura for that.
“I live on the river now, I haven’t seen a houseboat in two weeks.
Mr Andrews said further government support will be provided to industries affected by the restrictions.
This is expected to be announced on Monday.
“This will be tough for these businesses and their workers – and we’ll have more to say very shortly about extra support to help get you through,” Mr Andrews said.
