OPEN AND SHUT

AUSTRALIA POST

Post offices are fully operational across the country during government restrictions on non-essential activity.

Posties, delivery drivers and post offices will continue to operate. Customers will continue to be able to send and receive parcels and mail, pay bills and use Bank@Post during this time.

BANKS

All banks remain operational as usual. However, the big four — Commonwealth Bank, NAB, Westpac and ANZ — are encouraging customers to access its online services.

SHOPPING CENTRES/ RETAIL Retail is currently not affected by the shutdown, with major stores and shopping centres in Geelong open and operating.

Westfield Geelong, Corio Village, Market Square and Waurn Ponds shopping centres are all operating as normal and enforcing social distancing. However, cafes and restaurants in the centres are affected.

CINEMAS

Village Cinemas, Reading Cinemas and The Pivotonian are all closed until further notice.

KINDERGARTENS

Kindergartens are allowed to operate. However, local management group Bethany Kindergarten Services has followed schools and brought forward its school holidays by one week. Individual kindergartens will continue to keep families updated.

CAFES AND RESTAURANTS Eateries have closed the doors but many are offering takeaway meals and coffees to customers across Victoria.

Hamlyn Heights eatery Eddy and Wills had a stock clearance sale day and said yesterday was its last day of trade until further notice.

Other cafes like Pakington St’s Poco will offer takeaway services, while venue Baah Lah has created a takeaway menu to provide food during the lockdown.

GYMS

Coronavirus restrictions hit gyms yesterday with the mass closure of indoor sporting venues.

Many yoga studios, including Wonder Yoga, Upstate and Ebb and Flow, will provide online classes during the closure. Anytime Fitness gyms closed at midday until further notice.

PUBS

Last drinks were called at lunch yesterday with up to a quarter of a million workers hit by the closure of pubs and other venues Australian Hotels Association CEO Stephen Ferguson said yesterday was a sad day for pubs but that the health of staff and patrons was paramount.

“In times like this, it is essential for us all to follow the instructions of our governments and medical officers,” Mr Ferguson said.

The Barking Dog has a takeaway licence and will sell wine, beer and parmis during the shutdown.

HAIRDRESSERS

Beauty and hairdressing services have so far been spared in Australia’s coronavirus crackdown and are allowed to trade.

Geelong West’s Hidden Minx studio is continuing to trade but said on social media it would no longer serve drinks, have more space between clients and regularly disinfect the store.

CITY SERVICES

Libraries, museums, the Carousel and Geelong theatres are closed under guidelines forcing all entertainment venues to be shut.

CHURCHES

Places of worship are closed.

Christ Church Anglican Church held its final service on Sunday.

It’s understood some institutions will hold online services.