In a statement released Thursday afternoon on behalf of local councillors, Cr Humphries said the virus was here and what the community had feared all along, had now come to fruition.

"In light of the dreadful infection rates in Moree and surroundings, I am requesting that we all stay at home wherever possible," Cr Humphries said.

"Work from home if possible, shut our shops and get off the streets. We need to take the pressure off our medical teams and try to take the sting out of this awful situation we are in. I call for this voluntary 'get off the streets' to start as quickly as possible tonight for review on Monday."

Cr Humphries said as COVID cases were doubling daily, there was a lack of QR coding information because some "reckless people have not been following the health guidelines".

She added, that there had still been no directive to date from NSW Health. "It is obvious to me that we have an enormous issue that is running rampant through our community.

"Residents of Moree and surroundings, stay at home unless you need to get tested, need medical help or emergency supplies; or if you are an essential services provider and agricultural/harvest workers. The harvest is underway and really needs to continue. We need to look after ourselves and we need to be proactive.

"We simply have to give ourselves a chance to beat it."