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With fears of a coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic growing, the City of Ballarat has initiated its city-wide business continuity and transition plan. This plan is mentioned in council's Municipal Emergency Management Plan 2019-2021, a document which seeks to evaluate the risks of disasters affecting the city, and how best to respond. "This is effectively a "disaster recovery" approach to an event or external economic, health or social upheaval," a council email states. READ MORE: Ballarat businesses feeling the strain as travel ban is extended Business continuity plans, put simply, plan for possible disruptions and how operations should continue. Council activated its city-wide plan following reports from education, manufacturing, retail, and construction industries, according to a City of Ballarat media statement. "We plan to hold meetings with affected businesses in the coming weeks to ensure the plan reflects the situation facing our businesses," a spokesperson said. READ MORE: Seventh coronavirus case confirmed in Vic Businesses are encouraged to contact the City of Ballarat Economic Development Unit if they are concerned about the immediate impact of Covid-19. A tourism industry forum was also held this week to address the potential effects of the virus, and meet with stakeholders. Organised by the City of Ballarat and Ballarat Regional Tourism, about 20 attractions and accommodation providers met on Monday morning, the council media release states. READ MORE: Latest facts and figures on coronavirus Among them were Sovereign Hill, hotel and resort operators, and local businesses, hospitality outlets, and retailers. The reduction in group travel by Chinese tourists was having the "biggest impact", the council release states. A Sovereign Hill spokesperson declined to comment on the meeting, except to say "it is great to see Ballarat Regional Tourism and the City of Ballarat working together". Council's director of planning and development, Angelique Lush, said in a statement council and BRT are monitoring the situation "by engaging directly with operators". READ MORE: Diamond Princess passengers back in Australia but still in quarantine "This meeting was about measuring the current impact and determining what we can realistically do as a united group given the unfolding situation," she said. The forum was also an opportunity to share information about the State and Federal Government activities currently underway. Operators were strongly encouraged to register their events on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse website via the Visit Ballarat site and to come forward with suggestions about how to maintain strong relationships with international partners. A second forum will be held "within the month". The news follows the Victorian Tourism Industry Council calling for stronger funding commitments and new strategies to encourage visitors to return, and the state government's Visit Victoria rolling out a $5 million international advertising campaign. People who have been in mainland China in the past fortnight should self-isolate for 14 days after leaving the Asian nation, authorities advise. Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.

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