Coronavirus: South Melbourne, Prahran, Dandenong and Queen Vic markets continue to trade but major events cancelled
Shoppers in search of fresh produce will still be able to visit Melbourne’s biggest markets to stock up. But one of Dandenong’s most popular foodie festivals has been cancelled in the wake of the coronavirus.
Inner South
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South Melbourne Market will remain open — for now — despite two visitors testing positive to coronavirus last week.
Port Phillip Mayor Bernadene Voss said no traders had yet reported contracting any symptoms but anyone who felt unwell had been urged to self-isolate.
“Following the report of two visitors to the South Melbourne Market being diagnosed with coronavirus last week, the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services advised there was no reason to close the market,” Cr Voss said.
“This situation is changing quickly and we continue to rely on and follow the advice of (the Department) in relation to COVID-19.”
Under the state of emergency declared by the Premier today, essential gathering, including food markets and public transport, can continue to operate.
Cr Voss said common areas at the market were “being sanitised regularly”.
“We have provided hand sanitisers throughout the market for customers and workers, and we have increased the cleaning of amenities and public spaces, focusing on handrails, door handles and bathrooms,” she said.
Nearby Prahran Market is also open for business this week but staff and customers who are feeling unwell and people recently returned from overseas are being asked to stay away.
Those who do visit are being reminded to make use of hand sanitisers installed throughout the venue.
The market is also working on adding a dedicated page to its website to direct customers to home delivery services offered by traders.
Meanwhile, Dandenong Market has cancelled one of its busiest events of the year amid the pandemic.
A statement on the market’s website said they had “no choice” but to cancel its World Fare event on March 22, which attracts about hundreds visitors annually.
The decision comes after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a ban on any gathering of more than 500 people.
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“The COVID-19 situation has brought with it many challenges for a business as complex as a market which welcomes 5.6 million visitors every year,” the statement said.
Producing an event like World Fare has been months in the planning, involving small business owners, artists and food vendors working with us to deliver countless memorable experiences on this special day to our market visitors.
“This is a challenging time, but we take comfort in knowing that gathering our community together for live events is core to the human experience.”
The market promised “when this global outbreak recedes, market events will return stronger than ever”.
The multicultural festival and the Europa Night Market at Queen Victoria Markets have also been cancelled.
For regular trading, business will remain as usual.