By ERWIN CHLANDA
A few people (pictured) enjoyed drinks at Sporties in The Mall last night.
As of noon today restaurants are among the facilities that “will be restricted from opening,” according to a media release from Prime Minister Scott Morrison, as a measure to combat the Coronavirus.
And the Rotary Clubs in Alice Springs have announced the world famous dry river regatta, Henley on Todd (pictured), held since 1962, has been cancelled for this year.
“We will continue to plan a spectacular 60th anniversary event in 2021,” say the clubs.
Meanwhile Mr Morrison announced the following mandated closures:-
• Pubs, registered and licensed clubs (excluding bottle shops attached to these venues), hotels (excluding accommodation).
• Gyms and indoor sporting venues.
• Cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos, and night clubs.
• Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery.
• Religious gatherings, places of worship or funerals (in enclosed spaces and other than very small groups and where the one person per four square metre rule applies).
“Isolated remote community hubs are not included in these restrictions,” says the release.
“Other facilities are not impacted, but will be considered under stage two restrictions, if necessary.
“These measures also apply to outdoor spaces associated with the above venues.”
These “enhanced measures” build on existing measures to slow the virus and save lives, says the release.
(UPDATED 9.50am)
Is it silly to think there could be a rise in breakins from people looking for a midday swill?
Churches are Quiet? They have lots of money for food for the poor?
@P seudo Guru: You are on shaky ground mate if you are having a shot at churches about food for the poor in these Wuhan virus times (unless I misunderstand your comment).
In Australia it has been the Christian and Jewish faith churches and synagogues that, since earliest colonial days, have cared for the sick and destitute before state institutions took their lead.
Eg Salvos and St Vinnies.
Caroline Chisholm and Mary McKillop are standout individual examples who put themselves in the line of fire to help the desperate.
Churches should be the very last institution to be criticised in the Coronavirus debate. Their congregations are the first to be inclined to heed the call of compassion and care and prevention of the spread of a virus in the teachings of the Ten Commandments and the Gospels.
Don’t you think? Or do you think I am off point?