In an extraordinary week for the Eurobodalla Shire, doctors and community leaders have called for all visitors to stay away to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
At the time of going to press, three residents had been diagnosed with the highly infectious and potentially fatal coronavirus.
Many more have lost their jobs as small businesses feel the pinch.
In an emotional plea late this afternoon, Bega MP Andrew Constance added his voice to that of Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Liz Innes and doctors for visitors to avoid the shire.
"COVID-19 kills," Mr Constance said in a Facebook video post.
READ MORE: 'Close roads now': Letters to the editor
He praised all frontline essential service workers, from health workers to those stacking supermarket shelves.
"We are going to face what are seeing overseas very shortly and lives are going to be lost," he said.
His message to non-residents could not be clearer: "Go home."
Complacency will kill in this environment
- Bega MP Andrew Constance
Doctors have warned the shire has no intensive care beds and will not cope with the rapid spread of the virus.
Mr Constance said health authorities were planning to bolster hospital capacity.
He urged everyone to follow social distancing guidelines.
"Complacency will kill in this environment," he said.
"Stay away from each other. Do not congregate."
Mr Constance said anyone breaching the rules was "putting the lives of themselves, their loved ones and community and family at risk."
"It is spreading in our communities. Social isolation is difficult and will be a very real challenge."
Mr Constance urged residents to support each other.
"Please pick up the phone," he said.
"Please ensure people have essential supplies.
"We did it in January we can do it again."
