Highlights
- More than 4700 active cases in Victoria
- Stage 3 restrictions imposed across Melbourne Metropolitan area and Mitchell Shire
- Brimbank, Wyndham, Hume among top hotspots in Melbourne
The second spike in coronavirus cases has brought back Stage 3 restrictions in Victoria, forcing the government to shut down schools, certain businesses and asking people to stay at home.
"But unlike the first lockdown, this time we are very busy," says Point Cook resident, Nirav Patel who works as a new home consultant.
Mr Patel works at a display house in Truganina, a suburb of Wyndham council in Melbourne's West which is currently among the top hotspots in Melbourne.
“During the first lockdown, there weren’t many visitors at the display home. But the enquiries and visitors increased after the government announced the new Home Builder grant recently,” Mr Patel told SBS Hindi.
But living and working inside a hotspot which has reported hundreds of cases of community transmission in this second wave has come with its own challenges, Mr Patel says.
“The construction industry is super busy as people want to benefit from the grants announced. So we have introduced measures in line with the government's guidelines.
"People can visit only through an appointment and while seeking an appointment, they must declare that they or their family members have no coronavirus symptoms. We also insist they wear a mask on site,” says Mr Patel.
Is he afraid to go to work?
"No. I am not afraid but yes, I am very conscious about the number of people allowed in and social distancing," he says.
At home, Mr Patel and his wife, Nirali have decided not to send their daughter, Reeva to childcare.
Nirali Patel works from home and says she only steps out of the house to buy essentials. Source: Supplied
“She is enrolled at childcare, but we don’t send her. This time around, we are not confident about her safety. There are many cases in the area, and we don’t know where the staff or other adults who visit the centre, have been to,” says Nirali.
She works from home and says they barely step out of the house now.
“I step out for groceries or order them online. This time there is more fear. Everyone is scared and it shows. Last time I went to get groceries, I saw everyone wearing masks,” she says.
The Patel family lives in the Wyndham council which has 535 cases, the second-highest cases after Brimbank council which has reported 571 cases, as on July 28, 2020.
The councils are home to a large, growing Indian community.
According to 2016 census, Hindi and Punjabi were among the most widely spoken languages in these councils.
In Wyndham, around 11% of the population was born in India while in Brimbank, 5.2% of the population was born in India.
Out of 4775 cases currently active in Victoria, these two councils are home to more than 1100 cases.
“That’s why I am not taking any chances,” says another Wyndham-resident Pranav Chahwala.
A management consultant by profession, Mr Chahwala who works from home currently, says he avoids going out to keep his family safe.
“My twins are infants and they are at a vulnerable age. I do not step out except to get groceries cause it is not worth the risk. I am afraid I will catch a cold or cough and might pass it on to my family,” he says.
The second wave has forced his family to give up what they love doing outdoors.
“I have stopped playing cricket. I have stopped going for my runs. Instead I exercise in my backyard," says Pranav Chahwala. Source: Supplied
“I have stopped playing cricket. I have stopped going for my runs. Instead, I exercise in my backyard.
“It is challenging to stay indoors especially for my 8-year-old daughter who cannot visit her friends due to restrictions. Her tennis classes have shut down too. Plus the home-schooling.
“It is a struggle to maintain a balance between home-schooling and working from home,” Mr Chahwala said.
These families hope everyone will do the right thing and the numbers come under control soon.
“I have stopped looking at the numbers. They are so demoralising. It is better to focus on what we can do to help,” says Mr Chahwala.
Mr Patel hopes more people understand the importance of wearing a mask.
“The other day we had a client who said he is not comfortable wearing a mask. We need to keep each other safe and follow the guidelines set by the government. Only then, we will come out of this,” Mr Patel said.
Residents in metropolitan Melbourne are subject to stay-at-home orders and can only leave home for essential work, study, exercise or care responsibilities. People are also advised to wear masks in public.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
