Many clubs, hotels and restaurants have had to make changes to their service with the threat of coronavirus (COVID-19) to Lakes Entrance and surrounds.

The Lakes Entrance Bowls Club has had to make the difficult decision to close its doors for the foreseeable future.

This includes the entire venue and all bowls competitions until further notice.

It had been highly recommended by Bowls Australia and Bowls Victoria to cease all bowls, which the Lakes Entrance Bowls executive committee had decided to do at a special meeting last Thursday. Since that decision the Victorian Government has announced all licensed clubs must cease operation temporarily.

“To be honest, we can’t give a date when we will reopen, but we will, it has certainly been quite a year already,” general manager, Michelle Fielding, said.

“We saw with the fires what a strong community Lakes Entrance is and we will see it again now.

“We cannot wait to get back and be part of our community again.”

Alison Murphy, from the Central Hotel, assured customers that although the venue will be closed, the bottle shop will still be open, with takeaway meals available.

An innovative idea, the meals will be available for pick up through the drive through bottle shop.

“Customers can phone their order through and pick up and pay at the Bottle Shop,” Alison said.

“Our motel is also still open, but we have had many cancellations.”

Miriams Restaurant has come up with a takeaway home delivery service called ‘Miriams At Yours’.

“From 4pm to 8pm you can phone your orders through and we will deliver anywhere in Lakes Entrance,” Sam Mahlook said.

“We have a special seafood or non seafood offer of a threecourse meal for $25 per person, with free delivery.”

Mingling Waters at Nowa Nowa is also doing a takeaway service with tap and go payment preferable.

The announcement to close hotels and clubs has the Waterwheel Tavern at Lake Tyers Beach planning their next step.

“We will be open for set hours during the day for takeaways, but customers need to refer to our Facebook page as things are changing from day to day,” Tony Carroll said.

IMAGE: Krystal, Stella (5) and Olivia (7) Simpson enjoy a round at Esplanade Mini Golf on Saturday prior to Victoria going into lockdown due to the coronavirus crisis. Only essential service businesses remain open. K261-066