Geelong Chamber of Commerce and a veteran trader have urged residents to shop local as coronavirus fears impact businesses across the city.
“The bottom line is to just keep spending locally,” said Hayden Spurling, former Geelong Traders Association president.
“There are many businesses employing many people who need to keep paying their bills too.”
Central Geelong had become “quieter” this week as the coronavirus continued to spread, with fewer people in the street or visiting shops, Mr Spurling said.
“Business is certainly tougher and it will get tougher again, I think,” the long-time shopkeeper and former mayor said.
“It will be a particularly difficult time for restaurants and the hospitality industry.”
But most traders were taking “necessary steps” such as providing hand sanitizer and being mindful of customer numbers and proximity, he said.
He urged Geelong residents to continue to shop locally while taking “sensible” precautions.
“Sadly in supermarkets we’re seeing very irrational behaviour,” he said.
“It’s certainly not the end the world. We’ve got a long way to go but I think we’ll get through it if we go about it in a sensible way.”
Geelong Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Ben Flynn echoed the message, encouraging locals to go out in “twos and threes” rather than large groups.
“It’s about supporting businesses – just do it safely,” he said.
Many local restaurants and cinemas were still open, he added.
The chamber planned to contact all its 850 members and had signed up 150 so far to a free advisory webinar covering subject such as government assistance, Mr Flynn said on Wednesday.
“They’re all confused. They’re all getting conflicting messages and working out how to deal with staff.”
Meanwhile, the Rip Curl Pro became yet another local casualty of coronavirus concerns after the World Surf League cancelled the event.
The cancellation comes as libraries, theatres and community centres shut down while various organisers have called off dozens of events, expos and rallies across Geelong.
Geelong Arts Centre cancelled all scheduled performances and events until April 12.
Local libraries and mobile branches will close until April 14, Geelong Regional Library Corporation announced this week.
Both the corporation and Geelong Gallery cancelled their events and education programs.
Among this week’s events casualties are local indigenous festival Wada-ngal, Lara Food and Wine Festival, Geelong’s Longest Lunch and Geelong Design Week.
