31st March 2020

The Clarence and Richmond Valleys have always welcomed visitors and holiday makers over the holiday period but not this Easter amid valid concerns they could spread the coronavirus further in the region, according to Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis.

“I never thought I’d be pleading with people not to visit us, but this is deadly serious,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“Coronavirus tourism – where people from the Gold Coast/Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne take up holiday lets on the North Coast – is not on. It is both dangerous and selfish and now it is also illegal with strict new orders in place from today and fines of up to $11,000 and possible jail time for people who flout the rules.

“Now that international visitors are forcefully quarantined, the main concern is community transmission and that happens when people travel.

“So my strong message to visitors and tourists is this is not a time to go on holidays.  You won’t be welcomed, you won’t find it safer here and you won’t find fewer restrictions on normal life activities,” Mr Gulaptis said.

The National Cabinet has asked all Australians to stay at home unless they are shopping for essentials, are receiving medical care, are undertaking daily exercise or are attending work or school, which is now enforced by law. 

Mr Gulaptis said that to slow the spread people need to stay 1.5 metres away from others, cancel social gatherings, wash their hands frequently and to self-isolate if they are sick.

“That is the only way we’ll beat this thing, that is the only way life will get back to normal,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“Help is available to people across regional NSW, particularly people who are isolated and the elderly. If you need a hand call the NSW Government’s COVID-19 hotline on 13 77 88.”

 For the latest information and advice about the coronavirus go to: www.nsw.gov.au.