WRONG!

Already across the Shoalhaven numerous signs have gone up in outlying villages, pleading with prospective visitors to simply "stay away".

Yes, the area was hit hard in the recent bushfires. Yes, it pleaded for people to come back and support the regional areas.

But now with coronavirus this simply is not the time.

And if you think you can "sneak down the coast" for a "quiet little get away" think again.

The NSW Premier and the NSW Health Minister have outlined orders under the Public Health Act that state a person must not leave their home without a reasonable excuse.

Numerous local politicians have also pleaded with holiday makers to simply "stay away".

And South Coast Police will be out in force over the break enforcing such directions.

"As Easter and the school holidays approach, we understand families want to travel to celebrate or holiday. Unfortunately, this cannot occur in line with the current health directions," Commander of the South Coast Police District, Superintendent Greg Moore said.

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"Shopping for food, travelling to/from work/educational institution (when the person cannot work/learn from home), attending to medical needs (or carers responsibilities), brief exercise in your own neighbourhood (two people only or family unit), attending a wedding/funeral or moving house are all reasonable excuses.

"Recreational travel is not a reasonable excuse.

"Travel and holidays are not essential at this time. Holidays are not on that list of exemptions.

"These measures are in place for good reason and we must adhere to them to protect our smaller communities too.

"An influx of visitors could put their health systems under pressure, while potentially transferring the COVID-19 virus from one part of the state to another."

Supt. Moore said police attached to the South Coast Police District would be out in force, patrolling roads and conducting high visibility policing operations.

Along with traffic law enforcement, these officers will be targeting unnecessary travel.

"People detected travelling without a reasonable excuse will be directed to return to their home address," he said.

"If there is an identified breach, police can issue a penalty infringement notice. This on-the-spot fine is $1000 for individuals and $5000 for businesses.

"The safest thing you can do right now for yourself and the wider community is to stay at home.

"Our aim is to educate the public and appeal to the spirit of better judgement and abide by the spirit of the regulations - don't travel to areas if it's not essential.

"And if people have to ask a question if their travel is essential or not, it's probably better to give it a miss."

Police will be proactive over the Easter break and will be continually patrolling areas where people are likely to congregate.

"We will patrol all locations to make sure people are abiding by the health directions, maintaining social distancing etc," Supt. More said.

"If people are breaking health orders, initially we will attempt to educate them. But if people fail to comply or resist approaches, there are harsher penalties available, and we will not be shy to use them if people don't get the message.

"By and large we have been really impressed with what our local community has been doing - the support locally and people doing the right thing has been great.

"But you will always have people who do the wrong thing.

"Easter is always a challenging time on the South Coast and this year is no different but we have extra pressures.

"We are doing our best to ensure the community has an enjoyable and safe Easter."

People can now also report non-compliance with public health orders through CrimeStoppers, including businesses and accommodation providers.

"I want to encourage people to use this service responsibly, and help us reduce the spread of COVID-19 - you can report instances online at www.nsw.crimestoppers.com.au," he said.

For all other advice, including the latest public health orders announced by the federal government, visit the NSW Health website: www.health.nsw.gov.au

Traffic and Highway Patrol Command will also be out over the Easter break, conducting Operation Tortoise.

The state-wide road safety operation over the Easter long weekend, will see officers targeting speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences; all of which will attract double demerit points.

Double demerit points will start from 12.01am Thursday, April 9 until 11.59pm on Monday, April 13.

"If you do need to leave your home and get behind the wheel of your vehicle for essential travel, we implore you to slow down, don't consume alcohol and drive, wear a seatbelt, and put away your phone," said Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, iAssistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said.

"These are messages we have always provided and will continue to do so because, quite simply, these are the factors costing lives on our roads.

"I remind members of the public who are undertaking essential travel that the same road rules apply.

"So far this year, there have been 88 fatalities on our roads, and we do not want to see that figure increase. Obey the road rules and stay home unless you need to leave - it's all we ask."

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