lockdown

  • ‘We can’t take your word for it’

    ‘We can’t take your word for it’

    People from lockdown postcodes have been caught flouting restrictions and trying to gain entry to businesses in the Macedon Ranges. State-mandated identity checks for hospitality and retail have revealed an alarming number of rule-breakers, people refusing to cooperate and abuse directed at small business owners.Businesses found serving people who should not be in the regions…

  • LOCKDOWN ACROSS REGIONAL VICTORIA

    LOCKDOWN ACROSS REGIONAL VICTORIA

    Due to the ongoing level of community transmission, the large number of mystery cases and a surge of new cases and exposures sites outside of metropolitan Melbourne, regional Victoria will enter lockdown from 1pm today. Additionally, further measures will be implemented to protect children across the entire state, as the number of infections among kids…

  • Hospitality hit hard

    Hospitality hit hard

    Labour market shortages and COVID uncertainty are placing strain on Macedon Ranges’ hospitality industry. Many have successfully pivoted to takeaway models during COVID lockdown periods but some have been forced into temporary closure and are struggling to keep staff.Those reliant on Melbourne and tourism trade have also taken a financial hit during last week’s state…

  • ‘Protect the region’

    ‘Protect the region’

    A Kyneton business owner has refused to take bookings from people wanting to visit from Melbourne’s coronavirus lockdown areas. Ellenis Day Spa has had several people attempt to make a booking including one woman who argued that “nobody needs to know”. Owner Irene Thompson said the spa had also cancelled dozens of advance bookings from…

  • YJC LOCKDOWN

    YJC LOCKDOWN

    Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre is in lockdown after a worker tested positive for coronavirus over the weekend. The Midland Express understands the worker was an education coordinator who assisted young people with education plans in a one-on-one capacity as transition to or from the centre. The worker, employed by the Department of Education, is believed…

  • CHECKPOINT CHEATS

    CHECKPOINT CHEATS

    Macedon Ranges residents have raised concern over how easily people have been able to enter the shire from COVID-19 lockdown areas across its borders. While police have established vehicle checkpoints on major arterial roads heading out of Melbourne, several people have contacted the Midland Express to report their easy entry to the Macedon Ranges via…