Moree mayor Katrina Humphries has a strong message for visitors in the shire - go home now.
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The message comes following the closure of the Queensland border at 12.01am on Thursday to prevent holidaymakers from spreading coronavirus through the state and as caravan and camping grounds close across Queensland and NSW.
"The federal and state Government have asked us all to stay at home unless we are delivering essential services to our community," Cr Humphries said.
"Today, the Queensland border effectively closed, save for a number of exemptions including those relating to cross border interactions.
"We are asking for travellers to make their way home immediately as directed by our state and federal governments.
"With caravan and camping grounds closed from today for travellers across Queensland and NSW, now is NOT the time to enjoy the Moree Plains."
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Cr Humphries said Moree Plains Shire Council, like all essential service providers, is focused on ensuring it is in a position to continue to deliver its essential services to the community.
"In these difficult times, we need to prioritise our service delivery and we cannot cater for roaming visitors," she said.
"Our medical services and supplies of essential products (groceries and pharmaceuticals) are already stretched to the limit.
"With incidents of COVID-19 confirmed in shires close by, there is already a heightened sense of awareness and trepidation so we all need to do our bit and strictly adhere to the advice provided.
"As a council, we cannot close highways but we want to isolate to protect our community from non-essential travellers by restricting access to our shire."
Cr Humphries also urged locals who are required to self-isolate to stay home.
"Community members who are subject to self-isolation directions, self-isolate and stay home," she said.
"We live in a community where others want to help - lean on your friends and family for shopping and other needs to ensure that you strictly adhere to the self-isolation requirements.
"Giving up a few of our usual liberties is a small price to pay to be responsible members of our community."
All caravans and camping grounds, indoor recreation facilities, public swimming pools and community facilities in NSW closed on Thursday, following a Public Health Order issued by the state government.
These facilities will be closed until June 23, with exemptions for permanent residents of caravan parks or camping grounds.
