Seemingly, and sadly, yesterday's confirmation that a number of local schools had been forced to temporarily close due to the spread of COVID-19 throughout our community was probably always a matter of when, not if.
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The rising number of cases also saw a local nursing home become the second impacted by the coronavirus, another disturbing sign of the ever present danger and risks that accompany this pandemic.
If we ever needed a reminder to snap ourselves out of any comfort zone, or to correct any associated laxness that might have crept into our behaviour since the start of the pandemic back in March, yesterday's announcements were surely it.
Read more: Catch up on all the latest local sport news
Last week's revelations of a cluster of cases associated with Castlemaine's Don KR processing works was probably enough for most of us, but there will understandably be an increasing number of local families who are concerned for the welfare of their loves ones and anyone who may be connected to any of the organisations, places or people connected to these recent cases.
It's important we all continue to maintain a common sense approach to the pandemic, and to never forget the now well entrenched principles of good hygiene, safe social distancing and concern for ourselves and those around us at all times.
While residents of the locked down areas of Melbourne and the neighbouring Mitchell Shire continue to persevere under a regime where wearing a face mask is compulsory for the vast majority, authorities here are calling for locals to consider the same thing.
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There's been an obvious increase in the number of Bendigo residents wearing masks on local streets already, and none of us should be surprised if an edict requiring us to do so comes some time soon.
Spiralling case numbers will cast further doubt on the ongoing viability and even the logic of continuing to provide junior sport competitions that have only just started after the hurly-burly of the past four months.
The risks associated with doing so could well result in an early end to the season for the next generation of sporting stars, but in a year that's been tipped upside down many times already, nothing would surprise.
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Peter Kennedy
Peter has worked in a variety of senior leadership roles within the local media industry across more than three decades, and enjoys being part of a team committed to keeping Bendigo up to date with the latest news and sport.
Peter has worked in a variety of senior leadership roles within the local media industry across more than three decades, and enjoys being part of a team committed to keeping Bendigo up to date with the latest news and sport.
