South-west businesses continue to be impacted by the rise in COVID-19 cases in the region.
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Signs are being put up about closures due to staff shortages and the number of places to purchase food to dine in or take away is becoming scarce.
The coronavirus pandemic has impacted the Warrnambool RSL in all aspects of its operations.
President Mike Bellamy said it was concerning that veterans were not able to access some of the services they usually relied on.
"It's hit us on all fronts," Mr Bellamy said.
"The veteran support centre staff are working from home, which is a shame because they're unable to sit down with veterans like they usually would."
Volunteer numbers have also dwindled, making it difficult for the RSL to help out veterans with services including helping out with gardening or visiting people who are unwell.
Mr Bellamy said volunteers would usually be out in force selling poppies for Remembrance Day, but the number of outlets was reduced drastically this year.
Despite that, the community was extremely generous, he said. "Our sales from the poppy appeal were quite good considering we only had five outlets where we could make sales," Mr Bellamy said.
In addition to that, volunteers could only accept eftpos, which meant they had to turn some people away.
In a further blow, the RSL's bistro had to close on January 7 due to staff shortages.
Warrnambool RSL manager Hubert Tuechler said a number of staff were isolating or waiting for test results.
"It's difficult with rapid antigen tests not available," Mr Tuechler said.
"We've got some staff isolating and others waiting for test results."
Mr Tuechler said he had made the decision to reduce the number of patrons before the latest density limits were introduced.
"We decided to only take 40 people per every half hour in bookings to help keep the community safe," he said.
Mr Tuechler said he hoped he would not have to close the bistro again but it was something he had to assess on a day to day basis.
He is searching for new staff members after losing a number of long-term employees during lockdowns.
"In the last two years we've had a year and maybe longer when the doors were closed on us," Mr Tuechler said.
"A lot of my long-term staff members have gone to supermarkets or retail shops because they stayed open."
Mr Tuechler said the fact restaurants were the first to close and the last to open during a lockdown made it difficult to attract new staff.
"It's very hard for businesses to find staff at the moment," he said.
Mr Tuechler said he hoped there were no further lockdowns in 2022. "A lockdown would be a devastating blow to any business, including ours," he said.
One business that has managed to keep part of their business open is Deep Blue Hot Springs Warrnambool.
Marketing manager Lauren Orero said the day spa was closed, along with the indoor bath house and restaurant.
"This of course has a significant impact, not just on revenue but for all those who had planned spa treatments and of course the habitual bathers who would usually visit the bath house numerous times a week," she said.
"However, the hotel accommodation, outdoor hot springs sanctuary, salt therapy (including our scheduled yoga Nidra sessions) currently remain open."
Elements Restaurant and Bar has also shut its doors.
"It's a significant loss of business given how popular the restaurant was becoming but we feel it has provided some welcome relief for our team," Ms Orero said.
"In this climate we also felt it necessary to ensure we can continue to uphold the quality of services and experiences in other areas of the businesses."
Ms Orero said with a reduced workforce, staff would have to cover those that were away.
"This is certainly not sustainable and the decision to close the restaurant momentarily was made with the health and happiness of our team in mind," she said.
"All staff are still employed with some currently working in other areas of the business."
Ms Orero said it was unclear when the hospitality venue would reopen.
"People were just starting to get to know and love Elements in its new form and so we're hoping it's not going to be too far away," she said.
"Once a date can be confirmed it will be announced via our social pages."
CW Tabletop-Games has also temporarily closed just a week after opening their new-look store on Raglan Parade.
In a Facebook post, store owner Craig Walmsley said the store would remain shut until he received his COVID test result after being pinged as a close contact of a confirmed case.
Meanwhile, it's back to business for The Stump in Port Fairy, after a temporary closure.
On Sunday the hotel management made the decision to close its doors to protect customers and remaining staff.
The hotel re-opened on Tuesday at 4pm, albeit with a skeleton staff and operating under density limits. Evening meals were back, with two sittings to ensure patron safety.
Bunnings stores across the state are closing daily at 7pm instead of 9pm on certain nights.
"We're temporarily closing our Victorian stores at 7pm this week from Monday to Friday," the company said in a statement.
"Like many businesses, we're seeing increased numbers of our team needing to isolate, placing pressure on team availability."
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