Life is changing. A disease is suddenly controlling the world. This has been predicted by so many, expected by so few and suddenly it is upon us in an incredibly surreal way.
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Since the Corona Virus first reared its ugly head society has irrevocably changed. Individuals everywhere are taking on the concerns of the government and hoping to slow this pandemic so that the health system can cope.
People are stocking their cupboards, they are learning about social distancing, they are thinking about how to support each other during these unprecedented times. Businesses are having to creatively evolve as they think of ways to survive and best support themselves, their staff and clientele.
Sport is being postponed and cancelled with local, state and national competitions trying to work out how best to evolve. In the Blackwood region, local community events including the Bridgetown Easter Lawn Tennis Tournament, the Balingup Small Farm Field Day, the Bridgetown Down Under Country Music Festival and the Rotary Tour of the Blackwood have all been cancelled.
ANZAC services around the country are about to be recreated, as communities everywhere try to work out how best to observe this day without putting anyone at risk of the virus.
Social media support groups are starting to emerge, local cafes and businesses are having to adapt and there is a growing need for us all to step up to look after and support each other. We need to be kind to each other.
Bridgetown IGA business owner, Maurice Owen, made a statement on Facebook this week to emphasise the importance of being patient and showing respect during these challenging times.
"We have a wonderful community in Bridgetown and I'm sure that we can get through these times." he said.
"We are working hard to keep supplies available for you and we will keep getting supplies, although some of them will be late."
Mr Morris also said that anyone who was required to self-quarantine would be provided a home delivery service, which prompted an immediate response from locals offering to volunteer their time as drivers.
The Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes has established a COVID-19 Response Group. As new information is received from various government authorities, they will ensure this is shared throughout the community. The clear message from this group is that the risk of transmission in Australia remains low, and although the situation is evolving, community members are encouraged to remain alert but not alarmed.