NSW Nationals Member for Tweed Geoff Provest has issued a stern warning to Queenslanders looking to head south for Easter.
“There is growing concern in regional NSW that people from the cities are planning Easter holidays in places like the Tweed in the mistaken belief that regional areas are safer and that there are fewer restrictions,” Mr Provest said.
“The Tweed will not tolerate coronavirus tourism. Non-essential travel, and that definitely includes holidaying, is now against the law.
“Now that international visitors are forcefully quarantined, the main concern is community transmission and that happens when people travel.”
Mr Provest said he had been in constant contact with the Premier about the situation regarding the Queensland border with NSW. He reminded people on both sides of the border that there were limited reasons an individual could be outside their place of residence in NSW. These reasons include:
- work and education (where you can’t work remotely);
- shop for food and essentials;
- medical needs or the care of others;
- exercise.
“Anyone who is undertaking a holiday in regional NSW, or entering NSW for a reason outside the reasons listed above is breaking the law, under the Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order 2020,” Mr Provest said.
“Members of the community are encouraged to report anyone breaking the law under the Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order 2020 to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
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 attending work or school, which is now enforced by law.
Mr Provest 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 Provest 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.”
