Coronavirus forcing businesses to adapt to virtual services
The coronavirus is taking a toll on companies across the globe but some savvy Melbourne businesses have gone virtual to continue offering their services to Victorians in self-isolation. Here’s what they’re doing.
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Amid the coronavirus pandemic, businesses are doing their best to adapt to a virtual world.
With many Victorians in self-isolation or working from home, companies are innovatively providing online services to their customers.
Whether it’s workout classes, museum tours or animal livestreams, here are ways that Melbourne businesses are getting creative.
KEEP IT CLEANER
Hosted by Steph Claire Smith and Laura Henshaw, Keep It Cleaner is offering free online workouts.
The sessions will focus on strength and HIIT with no equipment required.
They will be live streamed on the KIC Facebook and Instagram page every Wednesday and Friday at 7am.
NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA
NGV has made its exhibitions available for online visitors amid public closure.
Collections that are featured in the online guided tours include Collecting Comme, Marking Time, KAWS: Companionship In The Age of Loneliness and Keith Haring | Jean-Michel Basquiat: Crossing Lines.
DOWNWARD DUCK AND CO
Downward Duck and Co has temporarily paused face-to-face practices until March 31 so is now offering yoga classes online.
During the selected times, you can dial in by mobile or internet and an instructor will take you through the session.
ZOOS VICTORIA
Animals at Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo are being live-streamed for people in isolation.
Cameras are now relaying live vision of snow leopard cubs, penguins, giraffes and lions via the Zoos Victoria website.
All three zoos – Melbourne Zoos, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary – are all still open to the public.
MCKINNON BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
With activities and events suspended until April 13, McKinnon Basketball Association has designed an Online Training Challenge for kids.
Each week new videos will be released, targeting specific skills for all different user levels.
THE CUPCAKE QUEENS
The Cupcake Queens have introduced free next day delivery in metropolitan Melbourne suburbs.
You’re also able to request ‘contactless’ delivery if you’re in self-isolation.
KINGSTON COUNCIL
Kingston Libraries will be live streaming Storytime each weekday via their website.
Live streams will be available on Monday’s at 2:30pm, Tuesday’s at 10:30am, Wednesday’s at 2:30pm, Thursday’s at 10:30am and Friday at 10:30am.
MELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Melbourne Sympthony Orchestra is keeping the music alive by holding live streams on their YouTube channel.
All concerts between March 16 and April 13 have been cancelled however you can watch their performances for free from the comfort of your couch.
From Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, MSO have you covered.
SQUISHY MINNIE BOOKSTORE
This Kyneton bookstore is offering Storytime via their YouTube channel every week.
Each Storytime will be deleted after seven days to ensure recordings don’t impact authors and illustrators.
GETGOING PT
Like many gyms and personal training services, Getgoing PT are offering sessions for people in self-isolation.
If a trainer is notified that a customer is feeling unwell, workouts are completed through Facetime or Zoom.
Getgoing PT are currently virtually servicing over 100 people in Victoria.
ALIGN PILATES STUDIO
Align Pilates are starting online classes from March 23, 2020.
Tutorials include four new workouts a week and no equipment is required.
Do you know of any other Melbourne businesses providing online services? Get in touch brooke.grebert-craig@news.com.au