The Member for Cootamundra has joined Riverina Police District, the Murrumbidgee Local Health District and the Member for Wagga Wagga in urging people not to travel this weekend.
Steph Cooke joined local authorities in emphasising the importance of staying home this Easter long weekend to slow the spread of COVID-19.
“I know that Easter will be a difficult time for many families who would normally come together during this time. It’s also difficult for people of faith, and I truly understand the frustration that we can’t engage with our faith in the same way as Easter’s gone by,” Ms Cooke said.
“But it is important that we continue with these measures, to practice social distancing and good hygiene to make sure we don’t see this virus introduced any further in to our small communities.”
Superintendent Bob Noble from the Riverina Police reminded the community of the powers police have to fine individuals and organisations breaching social distancing.
“We know it’s really hard on people that they can’t do the things they would normally do at Easter, they want to get together, this year we just can’t do it,” Inspector Noble said.
“We do advise people to stay at home and non-essential travel is against the law. If you are travelling away for a holiday you can expect to have your bona fides checked by police and if you are breaching the Ministerial directions you can expect to face the full extent of the law.”
Chief Executive of the MLHD Jill Ludford said the district was preparing for potential growth in coronavirus cases with new technology.
“We have scaled up our virtual hospital and home care this week, 300 of these wearable devices have now arrived from Switzerland,” Ms Ludford said.
“These wearable devices and a simple iPhone can save lives. It also means that we can look after far more people without them being in our hospitals. The specialist care that people will receive in our regional areas is second to none.”
