Bega MP Andrew Constance has a blunt message for Canberrans thinking of coming to the coast: go home.
"We have seen some very clear messaging about those who think this is a time to be on holidays: go home. The ACT Chief Minister told Canberrans to stay in Canberra. He did so for a reason, because it is about health capacity, particularly here on the coast," he said.
He said there was "not going to be an Easter holiday, full stop"..
"We all need to follow the clear directions to stay at home during this crisis," he said in a Facebook message to would-be holidaymakers.
"To pack up and come down the coast is simply not going to happen.
"Our hospitals cannot cope with visitors. We have no ICU beds.
"Everyone's life is at risk. And if you do the wrong thing, you put others' lives at risk."
Mr Constance said complacency during the COVID-19 crisis "would cost lives".
"This is as nasty and devastating as the bushfires," he said.
"Things are going to get much worse.
"If we don't follow the instruction to stay at home, there will be disastrous, horrific outcomes."
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He said the NSW government was not looking at closing highways at this point in time.
"We are one region - the capital region - working together to protect life," he said.
"Closing the highways is not on the table at the moment, but people should not be travelling."
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He encouraged the community to support one another - from a distance.
"We are staring down the barrel of a very deadly situation," he said.
"I know it feels terribly unfair after the summer we've had.
"But we need to dig deep. Stay home, support those on the front line. It's all of our responsibility.
"Call each other, look out for the vulnerable. Take personal responsibility and follow the rules.
"Our community is incredibly resilient and we can get through this."
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
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