A TRADITIONAL Easter will be off the table for many Wagga families as the city's leaders urge people to stay put during the holidays.
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It has been advised at each level of government to forgo usual festivities and stick to social distancing measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.
For many Wagga residents that will mean the popular camping trip at Easter will need to be postponed, as well as any other unnecessary travel plans.
Riverina Superintendent Bob Noble said people travelling for the purpose of taking a holiday will be breaking the law.
While he understands people want to gather for Easter, Superintendent Noble said it just cannot happen this year.
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"If you are travelling from this area don't do it, if you thinking about coming into this area from somewhere else don't do it," he said.
"If you live in Wagga, but have a holiday house in Talbingo do not go there for Easter. People in Talbingo don't want your germs nor do we want germs coming in from other areas.
"I know it's disappointing for people, but it's going to be a lot more disappointing if we are to have untethered outbreaks of this virus."
Wagga City Council closed its reserves to campers for the foreseeable future in response to the coronavirus outbreak, including the popular Oura Beach, and the state's national parks were also off-limits.
Wagga mayor Greg Conkey said he understands the restrictions are difficult, particularly at Easter, but the community must not get complacent and stick to the rules.
"It is comforting to see the curve is flattening and that these measures are working, however we need to be vigilant, keep safe and keep up social distancing," he said.
Wagga MP Joe McGirr said the priority must be the health and safety of the community during this time.
"The fact is we are getting on top of this and we need to keep it that way," he said.
"If you are thinking about travelling please don't."
- Those suffering acute, cold, flu-like symptoms who have recently returned from travelling or are a contact of a confirmed case are urged to be tested for the virus. To do this, call HealthDirect on 1800 022 222 to be triaged and advised by a nurse over the phone. Alternatively, contact your GP to book an appointment and let them know in advance if you have symptoms - these might include fever, cough, runny nose or shortness of breath.
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