The Narromine community are being reminded to stay at home this Easter long weekend to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As this edition goes to print there is still just one confirmed case in the Narromine Shire according to the NSW Western Health District.
Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said Easter holidaymakers should postpone their visits and non-essential travel between regional NSW towns and remote communities must be cancelled.
Mr Saunders said the national Cabinet had asked people to stay at home as much as possible, which means disrupting planned holidays and Easter plans.
"COVID-19 doesn't discriminate, so now is not the time to travel between towns or to relocate, the safest thing you can do right now is stay in your local community," Mr Saunders said.
"It's important for everyone to understand this virus isn't just impacting cities, and these measures will help protect the lives of the most vulnerable members of our local regions.
"To help slow the spread we need people to do the right thing by our families, friends and neighbours, which means staying 1.5 metres away from others, no social gatherings, washing hands and ensuring that if you are sick, you self-isolate."
Mr Saunders comments came as Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said he was worried about city residents travelling to regional NSW over Easter.
"I know towns hit hard by the drought and bushfires are relying on holidaymakers to keep people in jobs and put food on the table, but right now health and safety is paramount and lives depend on every single one of us doing our part to help by staying at home," Mr Barilario said.
"What we don't need is people spreading the virus across regional NSW."
Western NSW LHD chief executive Scott McLachlan also took to social media to plead with community members to listen to government messages on restrictions.
"I have a simple message - stay at home," he urged.
"Every time you go to leave your house, ask yourself if it's worth the risk of getting COVID-19 or if it's worth potentially giving it to one of our health team."
Mr McLachlan said controlling COVID-19 was going to be a battle and the district's health teams were relying on the community to do their bit.
"Behave as if COVID-19 is in your community, because the chances are at some stage it will be," he said.
"If you have to go out, if it's unavoidable, stand away from people. Don't touch your face, wash your hands."