People in Orange are being urged to follow new social distancing laws to save lives.
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Member for Orange Phil Donato said the world was in "uncharted territory" and this crisis was "unprecedented in our lifetimes".
He said people need to ensure they follow social isolation guidelines.
"It's really important that as a community we work together and follow the directions," Mr Donato said.
"There are serious penalties which can be imposed, serious fines and even imprisonment, that's how serious both states and federal governments are taking this."
On Monday, police were given powers to dispense $1000 fines to individuals for not following the new laws.
We know this virus kills people.
- Member for Orange Phil Donato
"We need to protect the most vulnerable, the elderly and people with low immune system because we know this virus kills people," Mr Donato said.
"I know police here will be working extra hard to ensure laws are enacted appropriately but more importantly fairly.
"If you've been told to isolate, it means that - isolate. Regardless of how boring it may be, feeling like you're in home detention, that's the reality. Fourteen days means you have to self-isolate at home. I can't make it any simpler than that."
He said many residents had expressed concerns to him about the impact coronavirus was having on jobs and livelihoods.
However, he said while it would be nearly impossible to find the "perfect model" to help everyone financially, there was a greater factor.
"Everyone's got concerns and everyone been impacted differently and what we need to do it to preserve life and protect life," Mr Donato said.
"This disease and virus has shown it kills people and we need to take measures to restrict it to protect people's lives."
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