GEELONG CORONA LOCKDOWN

■ Dozens of events cancelled across region ■ City’s big employers tell workers to stay home ■ Crowds to be banned from AFL games

COMMUNITY and sporting events, big and small, have been cancelled across Geelong as the city moves to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Markets, food festivals, music, charity and arts events have all been thrown into chaos after health officials warned against any mass gatherings.

Major Geelong employers have told staff to work from home and Deakin University has taken steps to mitigate financial losses resulting from the pandemic.

MAJOR employers are urging employees to work from home to avoid coronavirus, as the prospect of social distancing measures grows.

Some services and businesses are reducing face-toface contact with customers.

Surf Coast Shire’s Visitor Information Centre services in Torquay, Lorne, Winchelsea and Anglesea have transitioned from over-thecounter to phone, email and website-based services.

The Australian National Surf Museum at Torquay closed from last night.

Deakin University, Geelong council and the National Disability Insurance Agency are among organisations supporting workers to do their jobs remotely as COVID-19 case numbers rise.

City of Greater Geelong director of people and culture Kaarina Phyland said council offices and sites remained open and operational.

“However, where it is possible, our leaders are supporting employees who are able to work from home to do so,” Ms Phyland said.

“These work arrangements are aimed at slowing the spread of the virus and helping us to safeguard the delivery of services to our community.

“Our decisions, including about work arrangements, will continue to be guided by the advice of the DHHS.”

She said no council services or facilities had been impacted.

Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine yesterday confirmed in a newsletter that multiple staff would work remotely after advice from Geelong council.

“As a directive from the City of Greater Geelong in the interests of minimising the spread of the virus, many of our team will be working remotely from next week,” the newsletter said. “At this stage our administration office and visitor information centres are still open and we’ll keep you informed as the situation changes.”

Deakin University vicechancellor Iain Martin flagged a possible outcome of its pandemic plan was “many more staff” working from home.

“We have looked at our core systems and they are capable of supporting likely increases in offsite use,” Professor Martin wrote to staff.

Transport Accident Commission chief executive Joe Calafiore said the TAC was “well progressed” in planning to manage its business should employees be required to work from home due to coronavirus.

“Regardless of where our staff are working, the TAC will continue to service our clients,” Mr Calafiore said.

An NDIA spokeswoman said the agency had put processes in place to “protect people’s health”.

“The NDIA has established flexible working arrangements to support staff working from home and/or take leave as required to manage their individual circumstances,” the spokeswoman said.

“Participants and providers will be given clear direction if our business is disrupted in any way, ensuring they have options to continue accessing our support.

“We are working closely . . . to support a co-ordinated approach to delivering essential services.”

Barry Plant Geelong said it had suspended opening its office to the public to protect staff against COVID-18.

Communication was being made by email or phone, a message from the real estate agent seen by the Addy said.