Chatswood is a vibrant and diverse community on Sydney's north shore.
But locals say its commercial district has become noticeably quieter following the outbreak of the coronavirus.
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"I was here on Thursday and the place was practically dead, the carpark was empty, I have never seen it so empty, I usually struggle for getting a carpark. When we were walking to the place we were going to, we were the only ones there - it was almost like a ghost town."
As quarantine measures increase, so too does public concern about the safety of certain areas - especially those with higher populations of Chinese Australians and international students.
Wearing a mask to protect himself, this international student from Taiwan is one of those who is concerned about the spread in Australia.
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"There are lots of Chinese living in Sydney, so I am afraid, I am afraid they will bring some coronavirus!"
Now authorities have moved to strongly condemn anti-Chinese discrimination.
Health Minister Greg Hunt has urged Australians to come together in support of the community.
"In some cases, there have been reports of discrimination and I want to denounce and reject those absolutely and to say to Australian-Chinese Community, we thank you, we honour you and we respect you."
His sentiments have received cross-party support from Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese.
"Chinese Australians helped build this country. They were our teachers and nurses, our neighbours, our business-owners, our hairdressers - they are proud Australians. All of us must stand up and speak out against the ugly divisive and racist behaviour that has been directed to some of our fellow Australians."
Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Brendan Murphy, says there's no evidence of the virus being passed on through community transmission in Australia.
"Our risk population is people who have come from China (since) the first of February, not people of Chinese background. There's no reason for people to be wearing masks, there's no reason for people to avoid anybody of any particular background or appearance."
