An increasing number of Melbourne print and sign companies have vowed to stay open during the six week lockdown despite strict COVID-19 stage four restrictions.
"We will be trading through with appropriate measures in place,” 'Anon, Vic', a sign company owner, told Wide Format Online.
“The list of approved businesses and activities provides many opportunities for businesses in our industry to remain open and those that are smart and pro-active will find sufficient custom to keep the doors open. If we tell them that it’s not an option then they won’t even try and there are many businesses and jobs at risk."
‘We're still open & trading!’ says a message to customers from Total Image Supplies, confirming it would remain open during the lockdown, trading and distributing nationally. "We are operating under strict COVID-19 stage 4 regulations and taking all safety precautions and measures that have been outlined by the Victorian State Government. We look forward to hearing from you and continuing to service & support you as best we can. Take Care and Keep Safe!”
HVG Graphics Media said in an email to customers: “Following the latest announcements in Victoria, we would like to let you know that HVG Graphics Media has told its customers the company will continue business as usual for the duration of the six-week lockdown.
“As always, our sales team, product management, and customer service team are available for your inquiries, orders, and support in normal business hours.
“We continue to have a strong supply chain and stock availability in Derrimut, Victoria, and nationally, and will ensure that we can support your order requirements in the weeks ahead. For social distancing graphics, our wide range of floor graphic media now includes new products for indoor, carpet and outdoor surfaces and we have healthy stocks, though this can change very quickly, so please call or email us for further information and our updated floor graphics brochure.
“During this unpredictable time, you can have confidence that the HVG Graphics Media team is here and will assist you and your business in any way necessary. If you have any questions or inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us on 1300 851 033.
Thanks for your continued support and please stay safe.”
Epson dealer and inkjet media supplier Kayell Australia posted: "On Monday the 3rd of August 2020 the Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, announced that Stage 4 restrictions will commence this Wednesday evening in Melbourne. Kayell Australia will continue to operate within the Victorian Government COVID-19 guidelines, by offering an online service and a click and collect contactless service out of our Collingwood office."
Publisher of WFOL, Andy McCourt adds:
In another twist, home and business services franchise supremo Jim Penman of Jim's 'everything' fell foul of the bolshy ABC journalist in an interview on News Breakfast today. Penman, who was in the early stages of launching Jim's Signs & Uniforms together with Melbourne's Major Media as master franchisor, when Covid hit; maintained that there was zero chance of someone mowing a lawn or cleaning a pool, contracting Covid or infecting anyone. Penman made it clear that his business was obeying the published government guidelines and would continue to do so, but ABC interviewer Lisa Miller played the 'battered and bruised nurses' card - as if this had anything to do with a bloke or woman mowing a lawn 20 metres or more from the nearest human. The same would go for someone putting up a sign ten metres off the ground - about social distancing for example! Apparently, ABC TV News journos are allowed to work in proximity to others but Jim's franchisees, obeying all laws, are not. Hysteria abounds in times of crisis.
The Spectator's James Macpherson reports that Twitter then went into overdrive (no doubt fuelled by ABC acolyte agent provocateurs), writing: "One tweeter with more than 20,000 followers slammed Penman as “an old white elite male who is so privileged he thinks equality (in this case rules) is oppression. I hope the Victoria Police throw the book at him.”
Oh yeah? And also the BLM marchers who broke laws in NSW and VIC recently? Even the nation's Chief Medical Officer begged them not to congregate, saying in effect: 'I'll march with you when it's safe and lawful to do so, but not now' - but it still went ahead.
Everyone needs to calm down and take a step back - there are some businesses allowed to stay open and people allowed to go out so long as they observe the legislation. Get used to it. Stay safe, stay well and obey the laws.
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| Jim Penman on ABC news |
