Health Minister Greg Hunt has warned Australians that the Easter weekend could be the most crucial in the entire fight against the coronavirus.
Stay at home - that's the message from the nation's political leaders who caution the holidays are not the time to let off on social distancing measures.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and state and territory leaders have made repeated pleas to the public calling for them to heed the medical advice.
"The virus does not take a holiday - therefore none of us can relax," Mr Hunt told reporters on Thursday.
"This in many ways is the most important weekend we may face in the whole course of the virus."
The nation's death toll now stands at 51 people, with more than 6,100 Australians having contracted the coronavirus.
Health Minister Greg Hunt speaks to the media during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. Source: AAP
But despite modelling released this week showing progress has been made to "flatten" its spread, authorities are urging against complacency.
Mr Morrison has used his annual Easter message to remind Australians of the importance of staying at home.
"As we go into this Easter long weekend, whatever your religious views might be, I do wish you a Happy Easter, Australia," he said in a video message posted online on Thursday evening.
"I hope it is a time as you come together in your homes, together with your immediate family, that it will be a strong reminder about what's most important."
States warn police will enforce travel warnings
States and territories have threatened fines and a police presence to deter people from staying in their holiday home or rental accommodations.
Tasmania's Premier Peter Gutwein is among those to declare the public health orders "will be policed".
"Do not be surprised if you're stopped by police and asked what you are doing. Do not be surprised if you are at a shack and get a knock on the door," he said.
"If you do not have a reasonable excuse then you will be asked to leave."
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has also recognised the personal challenge for many not seeing family or attending religious services at this time.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian. Source: AAP
But the premier said everyone must remain vigilant.
"I appreciate what everyone is going through," she said.
"It's so important for us to stay vigilant - we can't lift our foot off the pedal."
NSW Minister caught at Central Coast holiday home
But amid calls for travellers to avoid regional areas, NSW Arts Minister Don Harwin has come under fire for staying at his Central Coast holiday home.
Mr Harwin was spotted on Wednesday at his million-dollar Pearl Beach house which is more than an hour's drive from his east Sydney primary residence.
Ms Berejiklian has resisted pressure to sack her minister, despite urging the public against all non-essential travel to regional NSW towns.
A media adviser holds a newspaper cover featuring NSW Minister for the Arts Don Harwin. Source: AAP
She nevertheless ordered the MP to return to his Sydney apartment, acknowledging the "perception is horrible".
"It's not just about sticking to the rules, it's about making sure there's a perception that everybody is sticking to the rules, including members of parliament," the premier told reporters.
Mr Harwin has said he was staying at the house for "health reasons".
Calls for roadblocks
Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson has called for roadblocks to be put in place on the Great Ocean Road to stop the usual mass transit of travellers.
The surf coast is a popular destination for travellers over the Easter weekend.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews also urged Victorians to stay at home despite the temptation of going away and seeing relatives.
"All that will achieve is that we spread the virus and we give back, if you like, all the gains that we've made," he said on Tuesday.
Victoria's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton has said people could visit a holiday home as long as they abided by the stay-at-home directions.
Fines for people who break public health orders
In Western Australia, police roadblocks will be in place to enforce travel restrictions between the state's nine regions.
The state's Premier Mark McGowan told Western Australians only essential travellers would be permitted to travel outside these restrictions.
"Don't be an idiot and don't take unnecessary risks," he said.
"If you try and get caught you will face a large fine - so don't take the risk, stay home and stay safe."
Meanwhile, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has advised would-be-holidaymakers should remain in their primary residence.
He says those found flouting the rules could face a $1,000 fine under the state’s public health orders.
South Australian Premier Steven Marshall has also advised people to cancel their Easter holiday plans to avoid mass movements of people to small towns.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has also urged residents not to stray from their residence.
"Now is not the time for a holiday," Ms Palaszczuk said
"Now is a time to stay in your suburb."
Under COVID-19 restrictions people can face varying fines for participating in non-essential travel within state restrictions.
This includes fines of up $1,000 in NSW, $1,300 in Queensland, $1,600 in Victoria and $1,000 in Western Australia.
All states and territories, except Victoria, NSW and the ACT, have also imposed restrictions requiring interstate travellers to quarantine for 14 days.
Easter religious ceremonies go online
Worshipers won't able to attend religious services over the Easter weekend with restrictions on these events still in place.
But the services will continue to be available for people to watch them through online streaming methods.
This was made possible after the federal government eased restrictions on members of religious orders taking part in these types of ceremonies
Australians are being advised to stay at home, other than for buying essential items, exercise or seeking medical help.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000. SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments.
With additional reporting from AAP.
