A blunt message to "stay home" has been delivered to Cootamundra people, as coronavirus cases continue to rise.
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By mid-morning on Tuesday, there were 35 confirmed cases across the Murrumbidgee Local Health District. Three people are currently hospitalised for treatment.
Seven women and four men aged between 20 and 29 have now returned positive test results, the highest result in any age category.
Senior police, health officials and the region's politicians have banded together to appeal for residents to stay home as much as possible in a bid to stop the coronavirus spread.
The plea comes as the region's hospitals suspend all surgery that is not trauma-listed or urgent, with the region's private facilities working to take on other planned operations.
Cootamundra police will also begin enforcing the state government's new social distancing regulations.
Penalties of $11,000 or six months jail time is what the public now faces should they fail to comply with new rules to not leave the home without a reasonable excuse, or to be in the company of more than one other person who is not living in the same household.
Riverina police district's Superintendent Bob Noble said officers had already begun to crack down on individuals disobeying new laws.
"We are currently investigating an alleged breach by individuals in the eastern part of the Riverina, and if it is found that they broke the law knowingly, we will take action," he said.
Superintendent Noble urged people to adhere to the new regulations.
"The prohibition of more than two persons together does not apply to families, but I urge that stepping out as a family of four, five or more should be avoided," he said.
"Even things like pushing a baby in a pram around town with your partner is advised against, don't do that if you really don't need to."
Jill Ludford, the chief executive of the MLHD, said shutting down surgery had allowed the hospitals to reduce their current occupation rates, create specific areas to deal with coronavirus, and be ready to care for people who require in-patient care for the illness.
Ms Ludford appealed to the public to listen to the advice of health professionals when it came to visiting a hospital or not.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said she was extremely pleased the number of cases in the Cootamundra Electorate had not risen and commended health authorities for their tireless efforts.
"I really want to thank the MLHD for their preparation, it's been extensive, comprehensive and it's been set up to protect all of us," Ms Cooke said.
"While I am heartened at where we are in terms of small communities, this is no time to be complacent.
"Each and every one of us does have a role to play and we must heed the health advice, we must practice social distancing, we must practice good hygiene and we must only leave the home if it is essential to do so."
