Gunnedah Shire Council is urging residents to follow increased Australian Government measures to halt the spread of the coronavirus.
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As uncertain times continue, Gunnedah shire mayor Jamie Chaffey said now was the time people could help make a difference to the trajectory of the virus.
"The message is clear - if you can stay home, stay home," Cr Chaffey said.
"This is a really tough time for our people and our businesses. I know residents want to support our local retailers and service providers - they are the people next door or even our own families - but the shape of that support will have to now take a different form.
"The Australian Government has set strict limits on the number of people in gatherings - only two unless there are special circumstances. Travel should be restricted to essential tasks, and those who are over 70, over 60 if they have existing health conditions, or over 50 for Indigenous people with health conditions should be self-isolating where possible.
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"It would be easy for us to feel that the risk is not among us, but, however lucky we seem to have been to date, that could change at any time.
"I urge you to stay at home if you can to look after yourselves and the rest of our community. On behalf of Gunnedah Shire Council, I would also like to thank those who have no option but to still be at work - emergency service workers, health care staff, supermarket and pharmacy staff - there are many people who have to head off every day to work.
"We have taken unprecedented steps at council to enable a large percentage of our staff to work from home while we continue to provide the services Gunnedah shire needs.
"Our priority is always the health and safety of our shire residents and our staff, as well as the provision of services."
Gunnedah Shire Council remains in the orange stage of its yellow-orange-red Coronavirus Response Strategy, finding ways to continue business while following all coronavirus precautionary measures.
All face-to-face services have ceased, but the council's customer service staff, along with all staff, are still at the end of the phone, or online, to help with enquiries.