"DO NOT come to Leeton shire this Easter".
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It may sound harsh, but it's the necessary measure being put out this long weekend as Leeton shire fights to stay coronavirus free.
The NSW government has asked all non-essential travel to regional NSW towns such as Leeton be cancelled and Easter holidaymakers should indefinitely postpone their visits, in line with the nationwide effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is a sentiment Leeton Shire Council and mayor Paul Maytom agree with given the current health pandemic plaguing not just Australia, but the world.
Typically, the shire would be more than welcoming of visitors coming to the shire to see what is on offer or to catch up with family and friends, particularly during the biennial Easter Leeton SunRice Festival.
However, the picture is very different in 2020 as the community is aware.
The idea now is to ask any family and friends who live outside of Leeton shire to hold off on visiting until social distancing restrictions are lifted by the government.
"We've got a unique circumstance at the moment with the COVID-19 virus and we have to take these precautions," councillor Maytom said.
"It's going to interrupt and cause a lot of anxiety for families that would normally be getting together at this time of year, but it is what has to be done to keep us all safe and healthy.
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"We need to do whatever we can to minimise the risk and this is one way we can do that."
The Murrumbidgee Local Health District, which includes Leeton shire, has not seen any new COVID-19 cases this week.
Leeton's count remains at zero.
Cr Maytom said he himself was adjusting to the new way of life.
Last week he and his family held a digital video birthday party for one of his grandchildren and he encouraged residents to utilise technology to be together virtually this Easter.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said National Cabinet has clearly asked everyone to stay at home unless they are shopping for essentials, are receiving medical care, are undertaking daily exercise or are attending work or school.
"My message today is simple, now is not the time to travel from metropolitan areas to regional NSW for a holiday, for meetings, or even to relocate yourselves for a longer period - the safest thing you can do right now is stay in your community," he said.
"This also applies to people living in regional NSW towns, because the virus does not discriminate and does not care about borders, so now is not the time to travel between towns, whether it be for meetings or even to visit family and friends."