I'm not going to pretend that it isn't tough for us all at the moment. COVID-19 is really messing with everyone's way of life, it's impacting our small businesses, our economy, our livelihoods, and all the plans that we had for 2020.

What I do want to say to you is that our health is the most important thing any one of us have, it's so important that we look after ourselves and our families, and that we remain vigilant at all times.

We're seeing what's happening down in Victoria and the difficulties that they are having in controlling the pandemic.

I'm aware that we have just heard about a spike happening in Newcastle as well. Anyone who visited Hotel Jesmond on Wednesday, July 29, or Wallsend Diggers on Thursday, July 30, between the hour of 7.30pm and 9.30pm, should immediately self-isolate for 14 days and get tested even if you have no symptoms.

It's so close to home for us, and here in the beautiful Port Macquarie-Hastings region we're so fortunate to be a low transmission area.

So let's keep it that way.

The only way to do that is to look after ourselves by regularly washing our hands, practising social distancing and ensuring we follow all the advice and guidelines from NSW Health.

You can find all the latest advice on the NSW Health website at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/.

This includes limiting group gatherings within the required numbers and most importantly, if you're not feeling well, don't go out.

If you're in need of assistance, council's website https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Home has lots of information or please give us a call on: 6581 8111 or after hours: 6583 2225. Or visit one of our offices at 9 Laurie Street, Laurieton; 49 High Street, Wauchope, or 17 Burrawan Street, Port Macquarie.

This includes if you're having difficulty paying your rates, or if you're a business looking for advice on your COVID-Safe plan.

It's tough on all of us, and while we've got a ways to go ... we will get through this together.

So please stay safe in this beautiful place that we call home.