By Brendan Rees
Coronavirus fears have resulted in a whirlwind of cancellations and confusion in Casey as more cases of Covid-19 emerge across the state.
Schools and community groups have been quick to cancel events weeks in advance while sporting clubs have been thrown into chaos – some unsure if they’ll be able to run competitions.
Casey Cardinia Libraries have also suspended the delivery of library programs, events and outreach services for the next 30 days due to the pandemic.
In the past week, the annual Casey Relay for Life at Akoonah Park in Berwick was cancelled and all Anzac Day services will not run this year.
It comes as the Federal Government announced a State of Emergency on 16 March to combat the Covid-19 viral disease which includes banning of mass gatherings of more than 500 people and 14-day isolation requirements for those entering Australia’s borders.
Casey Council announced “it will looking to reschedule” large non-essential programs and events to be held at Casey facilities, including Casey Cardinia libraries, Casey Stadium, Casey Fields, and Bunjil Place for the rest of March to ensure it protects the community.
“Council is undertaking daily monitoring based on advice provided by the Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Chief Medical Officer,” Casey Council’s director of community life Steve Coldham said.
“We will be implementing contingency planning to ensure we can continue to deliver priority services to our community,”
Twenty-three new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed on 17 March – bringing the total number of cases in Victoria to 94, however none have been confirmed in Casey, if any exist.
Monash Health has established a fever clinic in Gibb Street, Berwick for public screening of Coronavirus, which has seen long queues of people forming outside the facility wearing face masks on a daily basis – as they wait to be tested for the severe respiratory illness. Other fever clinics have been established in Clayton and Dandenong.
“Due to high demand, Covid-19 test results may take longer than the 48-72 hours initially advised,” a message on Monash Health’s website says.
Paul Kelly, Australia’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said if people do contract the disease, most will experience a “mild illness”.
“However, there are some, around 20 per cent, that do require more serious healthcare, whether that’s through primary care, general practice, or in hospital and indeed, in our intensive care units. And unfortunately, there are some people that die,” he said.
The spread of coronavirus has led to some parents flouting the advice of authorities by keeping their children home from school as questions surround the issue of social distancing.
Minister for Education James Merlino said any decision to close a school will be made on the recommendation of Victoria’s Chief Health Officer.
“At some point in the future, the Government may receive medical advice to close schools, and if and when that advice comes, we won’t hesitate to act,” Mr Merlino said.
But added: “Based on the advice of Victoria’s Chief Health Officer and DHHS, a decision has been made to suspend all school camps and excursions until further notice.”
Heeding the advice of authorities is parent Jodi Price, who is currently sending her children to Cranbourne South Primary School.
“I think it’s just the unknown – the school is trying to be as transparent as possible which I think helps,” Ms Price said.
Asked whether the school holidays would be extended, she said there “was no indication as yet”.
Meanwhile, pensioner Geoff Wright, 72, who has a low immune system, is taking no chances as cases of the Covid-19 viral disease continue to climb.
“We did an audit on Sunday of our food stock – we can stay inside for four months,” the Clyde North resident said.
“We’re worried – we don’t know what’s going to happen because we haven’t been through this before.”
He said luckily he and his wife were able to stock up on groceries before supermarkets were stripped of household essentials due to panic buying sparked by the spread of Covid-19.
The couple are also trying to seek a refund after cancelling a cruise trip in April however they’re battling to get their $1,600 fare back.
