Business as usual: Surf Coast traders adapt to impact of coronavirus

BUSINESSES across the Surf Coast are keeping their doors open during the coronavirus pandemic, with traders doing what they can to adapt to the changing conditions and directives from the state and federal governments.

Tourism bodies are also encouraging businesses to band together as an industry and support each other.

In Torquay, wine, beer and spirits outlet Corks Crew is “trying to trade as normally as possible for the time being”, according to owner Nick Harrison.

Mr Harrison said his business was limiting cash transactions from customers and cleaning more frequently.

“For as long as it’s at all practical, we’ll continue to make deliveries.

“I’ll be putting all of the stock in the store up on the website over the next few days, so people can still order it.”

Commerce Torquay president Jeff Crow agreed there was a sentiment among businesses to stay open for as long as they could, subject to the latest developments.

“I feel people’s first reaction is to wait and see,” he said.

“Everyone has taken a good hard look at what they’re doing on the health and safety issues and are going out of their way to change or to show change.”

He said Victorian traders had the advantage of not having to close to look after their children, unlike in places such as parts of the United States.

“There isn’t that stress being placed on them with the schools still staying open.”

Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism general manager Liz Price said the tourism body understood many traders were feeling the effects of bushfires, coronavirus and travel restrictions over the past few months.

“We encourage you to keep us informed of what is happening in your town and your business. We need to band together as an industry and support each other through these uncertain and challenging times.”

For this newspaper, it will be business as usual.

Readers and advertisers can be confident that we will continue to publish newspapers weekly, and keep our website (timesnewsgroup.com.au) and Facebook page (facebook.com/surfcoasttimes) up to date with the most useful information about the coronavirus pandemic, as well as all of the usual local news you know and love.

For the latest information, updates and advice on coronavirus, head to dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.