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This article was published on Tuesday, 31 August, 2021. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Supporting all businesses throughout Greater Shepparton

The current COVID-19 outbreak in Greater Shepparton has had a significant impact on local businesses across several sectors, with dozens being listed as exposure sites in the past few weeks. As a result, each of these businesses have closed to undertake a deep clean following the Department of Health and Human Services guidelines.

After undertaking this deep clean and receiving the all clear from DHHS, these businesses are able to reopen. With many businesses now in this position, or readying themselves to trade once more, Council is urging the community to support those who have been directly impacted.

“We are all in this together and need to continue to support businesses, especially those that have been identified as an exposure site,” Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe said.

“Once these businesses have had their deep clean and received the all clear they are able to be fully operational once more. We need to show them our support and ensure they can return to the same state of trade they were in before having to close.”

Zambrero Shepparton were required to close their doors last week and undertake a deep clean after being informed they were an exposure site. Business owner Simon Nalder said while the news was difficult they are looking forward to resuming trade as usual.

“The business and our team have been hit hard by the recent closure of our restaurant, however we are delighted to say we have been issued our certificate to reopen by the Department of Health,” he said.

“We look forward to being able to serve the Greater Shepparton community our fresh healthy Mex and thank you for your continued support during this challenging time.”

Shepparton’s Butter Factory Café were also listed as an exposure site during the current COVID-19 outbreak. Owner Chris Reisner said that while it was a worrying time the community’s support have helped them get through.

“The support from our amazing community after our deep clean has been overwhelming,” he said.

“All of our staff returning a negative test result has been an amazing feeling. I cannot thank our community, staff and customers enough for all of the amazing support we have received.”

With businesses currently doing it tough due to lockdown and isolation restrictions, Cr O’Keeffe urged the community to continue to support our local business community.

“Greater Shepparton residents have truly displayed the meaning of community over the past few weeks with everyone rallying together to look after those in isolation and those directly affected by this current outbreak,” she said.

“We need to continue to demonstrate this support through to businesses who have been listed as an exposure site to help them recover once they are safe to reopen. Their stores will be cleaned in accordance with DHHS guidelines and people should feel safe and comfortable to visit them once again.”

COVID-19 Deep Cleaning Grants are available for eligible businesses.