Regional business owners are facing "long-term trauma" and are nearing breaking point, according to a state-wide alliance of chambers of commerce.
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Commerce Ballarat is a signatory to a letter to Premier Daniel Andrews from the Victorian Regional Chamber Alliance, which also includes similar business groups in Geelong, Bendigo, Shepparton, and Wodonga, as well as Horsham and Hamilton in the west and Sale and Lakes Entrance to the east.
The letter is a plea to the premier to further ease restrictions in regional areas from October 19, which Mr Andrews has repeatedly foreshadowed he will make the next major announcement on.
The only five cases in regional Victoria are in the Mitchell Shire, which was originally grouped with metropolitan Melbourne when lockdowns were reinstated earlier this year.
However, the number of new cases in Melbourne has remained high, with metropolitan areas now unable to reach a 14-day average of less than five cases before October 19.
The letter states regional businesses, while linked to the Melbourne-based roadmap for reopening, will continue to "unnecessarily suffer", and hospitality businesses in particular are "haemorrhaging money" attempting to stay open with limited capacities.
There are concerns upcoming public holidays and major events will lead to more "illegal private gatherings", because of these patron caps, which in turn would create more health risks as private residences do not have the same safety plans in place.
The uncertainty around announcements and support has contributed to extra stress, and the letter states "(i)t has been shown that being under intense stress for a period of six months can result in long term trauma" - while it's understood the lockdowns are needed to help reduce the number of cases, businesses are now ready to begin rebuilding safely.
"Venues are prepared now more than ever with policies and COVID Safe plans in place," the letter states.
"Business owners and operators heavily impacted or closed by the restrictions have invested endless time and resources into innovating their practices, developing policy, training staff, and transforming their operations to ensure they can maintain the safety of their workforce, clients, and broader communities.
"They understand that it is in their best interest to go above and beyond when it comes to not only preventing outbreaks but maintaining clear records should contact tracing be needed".
There are also industries "left behind", like gyms and indoor fitness, which had opened when restrictions were eased in May, and had "proven their ability to apply strong hygiene practices, and appropriately manage the risk of transmission".
Hospitality businesses which were able to reopen with outdoor dining are still at the mercy of the weather, despite the announcement of state government grants to buy equipment like umbrellas and heaters, while younger workers, who make up the majority of hospitality workers, are continuing to be unevenly affected.
Commerce Ballarat has continued to provide free resources for businesses to get through the coronavirus pandemic, with an online seminar focusing writing tenders on Tuesday morning, and another on mental health to be held this Thursday - these will be available to view online afterwards.
The state government allocated a $50,000 grant to Commerce Ballarat last week, which will help continue this series of capacity-building workshops and other initiatives.
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Remember to always maintain good hand hygiene, wear a mask when in public, and keep a 1.5 metre distance from others at all times.
Anyone with the slightest symptoms is urged to get a test immediately, and must self-isolate until results come back - book online at bchc.org.au or phone 4311 1571 to make an appointment.
For more information, visit the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website, or phone the hotline on 1800 675 398 for advice if you are displaying symptoms.
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