There are now 125 active cases in the state, with the figure rising daily since some restrictions were initially rolled-back.
The news is a massive blow to businesses in Benalla, and across the state, with their opportunity to increase income sacrificed for public safety.
Victorians were rejoicing last week when it was announced that cafes, pubs and restaurants could open to 50 seated patrons as of Sunday.
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Many people made bookings while business owners increased food orders and arranged to welcome more patrons.
Sadly many of those people have now received a call to let them know their booking has had to be cancelled, or postponed.
Benalla Bowls Club chief executive officer Wendy Joseph has had to make some of those calls and said most people had been understanding.
“It was a bit of a blow when the Premier announced that we could not open up to more customers,” Ms Joseph said.
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“Particularly when you consider the majority of the increased cases were from metropolitan Melbourne.
“In the country, or in Benalla at least, we’ve had virtually no cases.
“So the news was very disappointing.
“We've had a number of functions that we have had to cancel, or ask to postpone.
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“Most people have been very understanding as they know it is out of our hands.”
On top of having to disappoint customers, the club has also had to re-evaluate its position with regards to bringing staff back.
“We had been planning on bringing back some staff who were not eligible for Job Keeper,” Ms Joseph said.
“Sadly we have had to rethink that.”
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The upshot is that some local people who were celebrating a return to work are now left in limbo until the restrictions are able to be eased.
“On the positive side we were still able to open our TAB and Keno areas, with strict social distancing in place,” Ms Joseph said.
“Indications are that we may be able to start to open up our dining areas to 50 patrons in the next few weeks.
“But we have to wait and see, and follow health department, and government advice.”
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Premier Dan Andrews announced the reintroduction of some restrictions during the weekend.
“Some people are pretending this is over because they desperately want it to be,” Mr Andrews said in a Facebook post.
“No-one wishes that were the case more than me – but the facts tell us otherwise.
“That's why yesterday (Saturday, June 20) we announced that as of 11.59 pm Sunday, you can only have five guests in your home – and some of our plans to ease other restrictions will be delayed.
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“We simply have to stay the course on this. We've given up far, far too much to throw it all away now.”
The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed which restrictions would remain and offered further advice via its website:
● Stay safe by washing your hands, keeping your distance from others, and staying home if you feel unwell.● If you have symptoms of coronavirus you should get tested.● From 22 June the number of visitors that you can have to your home has reduced to five visitors. Outdoor gatherings have reduced to a maximum group of ten people.●Restaurants, pubs, auction halls, community halls, libraries, museums and places of worship remain at a maximum of 20 people in any one space until 12 July.●Businesses including gyms, cinemas, theatres and TABs can open, with a maximum of 20 people per space.●All changes to restrictions and the proposed dates are subject to the advice of Victoria’s Chief Health Officer and the continued and effective management of the spread of COVID-19.
Benalla Rural City still has no active cases.
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