Joint media release
Easter 2020 is one year tourists will not be welcome in coastal towns across the Mid North Coast.
Today local Members of Parliament and police are reminding residents in metropolitan Australia to observe health directives and stay at home this Easter in order to protect our area’s elderly and vulnerable residents.
“We love our tourists, but this year we are telling them to stay away for the protection of all of our residents,” Mr Conaghan said.
“The simple fact is people cannot travel here without contravening the NSW Government’s Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order 2000 and risking six months’ gaol time or a fine of up to $11,000.
“The Public Health Order specifically states travelling to take a holiday in a regional area is not a reasonable excuse for people to leave their residence and it’s just not on.”
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said people need to abide by the rules as they are designed to keep the whole community safe.
“Now is not the time to travel to our area for a holiday, for meetings, or even to relocate yourselves for a longer period,” Mr Singh said.
“The safest thing you can do right now is stay in your primary residence. I know this is a hard message given we have a large tourism sector here, but safety is paramount and lives depend on every single one of us doing our part by staying at home this long weekend.”
Coffs/Clarence Police District Commander Superintendent Steve Clarke said holidaying throughout the State is not on the list of exemptions in the Public Health Order.
“We have to do this to protect our smaller communities – an influx of visitors could put our health systems under pressure, whilst potentially transferring the virus from one part of the State to another,” Superintendent Clarke said.
“Police will continue to conduct proactive patrols through highly-populated areas, including popular coastal areas.
“We are not stopping people from going to the supermarket and pharmacy, going to and from work if you cannot work from home, going to medical appointments, or leaving for some brief exercise in your own neighbourhood. But recreational travel is not a reasonable excuse.
“We understand this is difficult – families want to come together and celebrate during Easter and the school holidays. Unfortunately, this just cannot happen this year. We need to help slow the spread.”
To view the NSW Public Health Order currently in place click here.
Media contact:
Mr Conaghan – 0418 928 744
Mr Singh – 0402 900 113
