COVID in Lorne

Covid 19 Pandemic began in Victoria in Melbourne in 2020. The initial wave began when a man arrived in Melbourne from Guangzhou, China, as Australia’s first confirmed coronavirus case. On 16 March 2020, Victoria declared a State of Emergency. Lockdown #1 commences: stay home; masks; social distancing; hand sanitising; home schooling; home business; no leaving home except for essential services; no travel.

March 26, 2020 recorded the first coronavirus deaths in Victoria. Victoria records 671 cases and 7 deaths. Lockdown #2 followed with stage four restrictions imposed. Melbourne encased in Australian Defence Force policed ‘ring of steel’. Stage four restrictions extended until October. Victorian death toll reaches 800.

Melbourne’s “ring of steel” ends. No cases or contacts recorded in Lorne. Lorne residents exemplary with adherence to mask, social distancing, and hygiene regulations. Some people moved to live in Lorne during Civic-19 Pandemic, working from home, with children enrolled in the local school. By 30 April 2024, over 6 million confirmed cases were recorded with more than 19,000 deaths attributed to Covid-19 worldwide.

“Business As Usual” was painted by Simon James Holloway during the first Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. The painting was acquired by the Lorne Historical Society thanks to the generous support of Auden and Allan Walls.

“Business As Usual”, painting by Simon James Holloway

Health

Education

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges and changes to Lorne P-12 College, affecting students, staff, and the wider community in profound ways. One significant impact was the influx of families moving to Lorne to work from home. This brought a unique dynamic to our school community, as these families sought the safety and tranquility of our rural setting.

While we welcomed many new faces during this time, the sudden increase in student numbers put pressure on our resources. Unfortunately, many of these new students were not included in the initial student counts, leading to strained resources and logistical challenges. Our staff worked tirelessly to accommodate the increased demand, ensuring that all students received the support they needed despite the sudden surge in enrolment. However, this situation also had its downsides. Once the lockdowns ended, many of these families returned to their original locations, resulting in a dramatic drop in our student numbers.

The pandemic also highlighted the challenges of balancing in-person and online learning. Many families used our school as a temporary solution, even though their current schools provided online learning options. This led to inconsistencies in the students’ learning experiences and put additional pressure on our teachers, who had to manage a constantly changing student body.

For our regular students, the pandemic disrupted their usual school experiences. Many faced difficulties adjusting to online learning, and the lack of in-person interaction took a toll on their social development and mental health. However, it also fostered a sense of independence and self-discipline in our students as they navigated their studies in a more self-directed manner.

Food and Hospitality

Government

Emergency Services

Sport and Recreation

Social Life

Covid Reminants

Sources:

  • Linton and Mandy Ferguson 2024
  • Carly Stafford, Principal Lorne P-12 College, July 2024