While Tamworth is sitting at 12 confirmed COVID-19 cases, Gunnedah still has zero cases according to Hunter New England Health figures, and Brian Jeffrey is hoping it can stay this way.

Mr Jeffrey said since Gunnedah has "kept it out so far, we've got to keep it going".

"Gunnedah is in quite a strong position providing everyone does the right thing and follows the guidelines. I don't think we can beat it, but we can minimise the effects it will have on our community if we stay put," he said.

"It's going to be someone who goes from Tamworth to Coonabarabran and stops in Gunnedah that brings it to town, seeing as though it's already [in Tamworth]."

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Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said "if everybody adhered to the control measures, it wouldn't get to Gunnedah".

"That's something that would be really good if they keep doing what they're doing and stay connected," Mr Anderson said.

While non-essential travel without a reasonable excuse is now banned, Mr Jeffrey said Gunnedah residents still shouldn't go outside the shire boundary "unless it is essential so we do not bring the virus back into town".

"I would set up road blocks at Somerton, Boggabri, Mullaley and Breeza and tell non-essential visitors we would like them to pass through the town and not get out of the car," he told the NVI.

"Sometimes we need a good consistent set of instructions so everybody is clear on what they can and cant do.

"I know local traders will hear this with dismay, but if Gunnedah remains coronavirus-free our local economy has a much better chance of recovery."

A Gunnedah Shire Council spokesperson said road blocks would "not be practical or desirable to set up ... on all the approaches to Gunnedah", but said "the federal government has already sent a clear message to Australians they should not be travelling for non-essential purposes".

"There are many essential reasons why, even in these times, people would be travelling between towns," the spokesperson said.

"Instead, we again call on residents and visitors to strictly follow the measures already in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

"Stay home if possible, continue washing your hands and take all possible care to keep yourself and your loved ones safe."