Before that point, coronavirus was, for many of us, a concern but still mostly a surreal concept. The Ruby Princess hadn't yet docked in Sydney. Central Victoria was yet to record a COVID-19 case. We'd hoarded toilet paper, but we didn't know what was to come.

Then on March 16, a state of emergency took over Victoria. Days later, our first resident tested positive for the virus.

Tomorrow marks 100 days since the state of emergency was enforced. Journalist ELSPETH KERNEBONE has looked back at what our experiences were - and followed up with people directly affected, including Bendigo's first positive case.

As a valued Bendigo Advertiser subscriber, we're making this story available for you to read first. Take a look here.