Coronavirus (COVID-19) update – Wednesday 25 March 2020
- The Melbourne Market continues to remain open
- Wholesalers implementing own measures to reduce the risk of virus spread
Stage 2 Victorian Shutdown
This morning the Premier announced that Victoria would be moving into stage 2 of shut down restrictions to combat the spread of Coronavirus.
- Food markets are considered an essential service, and as such, the Melbourne Fruit and Vegetable Wholesale Market will continue to operate during this crisis.
- Stage 2 does not prohibit the operation of wholesale markets or retail businesses, and as such, the Melbourne Flower Market and Market commercial retail businesses will continue to trade.
Support
Some parts of the Market community are being negatively impacted by the spread of COVID-19 and the crisis presents extraordinary challenges for many businesses. The MMA are currently reviewing what initiatives we can implement to help Market businesses continue to operate and provide essential food to the state.
Both the Federal and Victorian Government have announced a range of measures to support small and medium businesses through this crisis.
The below links provide details for seeking financial assistance and business support should you need it.
treasury.gov.au
business.gov.au – sole traders
business.gov.au – businesses
Incorrect media reporting
Some of you may have heard on Triple M radio this morning, during the 7:30 am news bulletin, that the “Melbourne Market is closing from midnight tonight”. Let us reiterate that this is not the case. The report was inaccurate, and the issue was later clarified in the 8:30 am news bulletin. The Melbourne Market is an essential service and is vital in the supply chain of food. We will continue to remain open to deliver fresh produce to Victorians.
Communications from other Market businesses
Some Market businesses have implemented their own measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to their staff. The MMA has begun to compile a central location of this information on the Melbourne Market website.
If you trade with these businesses, you should keep up to date with any changes or restrictions to their operations. Examples of this might include things like, only conducting business through pre-orders via email or phone.
Similarly, if you are a business who has implemented your own measures and you would like them communicated, you can forward details to lauren.kitchener@melbournemarket.com.au where they will be placed on the Melbourne Market website.
Click here to view relevant changes to operations from Melbourne Market businesses.
Reducing the risk of COVID-19 at the Market
The critical piece of advice for Market users is, if you are feeling unwell, you should stay at home and seek medical advice. Do not attend the Market for work, or to purchase flowers or produce, if you are feeling unwell in any way.
The Federal and State Government continue to stress the importance of social distancing.
When at the Market you must:
- Think about how you can alter your daily tasks to minimise direct close contact with others around you
- Refrain from handshaking, hugging, kissing hello or similar
- Wash and sanitise hands regularly
- Keep a distance of at least 1.5 metres between yourself and fellow Market users where possible
The MMA is currently investigating additional health and safety measures to help stop the spread of the virus; we will update you on any changes to Market procedure and operations as they occur.
Questions
If you have any further questions, you can call the 24-hour security number, 0408 334 555. |