More than 70 residents have been asked to remain within a central-western New South Wales Aboriginal community to prevent a potential coronavirus outbreak after a person from a Melbourne hot-spot visited the community.
The Murrin Bridge community, located around two-hours drive west of Parkes, was asked to lock down for 14 days by the local Aboriginal land council.
The visitor, who reportedly arrived with a permit, is now isolating after testing negative to COVID-19 on Monday.
She has been issued with a $1,000 Penalty Infringement Notice.
The NSW and Victorian border has been closed since the middle of last month, with entry to Victorians extremely limited to specific circumstances such as critical services or providing primary care.
A post on the Murrin Bridge Local Aboriginal Land Council Facebook page called for any one who had recently left and returned to the community to self-isolate until further notice.
Community members of Murrin Bridge Aboriginal community have been asked to isolate. Source: NITV News
"Being a small Aboriginal community we are more at risk due to the chronic diseases we face, please be responsible," the post read.
"We will let everyone know when it is safe for the community members to go about their business."
Arrangements have been made for food deliveries or medical needs.
The local land council office was closed over the concerns.
Both the Murrin Bridge Aboriginal Land Council and the Murrin Bridge Aboriginal Health Service have been contacted for comment.
According to the ABC, pop-up testing clinics will be held in the area on Sunday August 16, and again on Monday, August 17.
