As the Easter long weekend nears, many people would normally be gearing up for some family time.

Whether they would have been hosting extended relatives to their home, going to church, having a few beers with your mates or just enjoying some fun in the sun; it’s usually a big time to celebrate.

However, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has begged people to keep being socially distant from everyone who you don’t live with.

That advice has been prevalent for weeks in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. But Mr Morrison says it’s more important than ever if we want to keep the infection rate low across the country.

“This Easter weekend will be incredibly important,” the Prime Minister told the country. “Stay at home.

“Failure to do so this weekend would completely undo everything we have achieved so far together — and potentially worse.”

Compared to places like America and the UK, Australia has fared through the coronavirus pandemic relatively well. They are calling on people to continue to stay inside unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Mr Morrison added: “Daily growth rate has now fallen to just a few percentage points per day.

“This has occurred well beyond our expectations, the way we’ve been able to bring the daily growth rate down, and it’s ahead of what the models suggested.

“But we must hold the course. It is providing us with much-needed time. We have so far avoided the horror scenarios we have seen overseas.”

New South Wales Police has warned that people caught breaking the rules will cop an on-the-spot $1,000 fine.

A statement released on social media urged residents to stay home and connect via other means.

“The Orders state that anyone leaving their place of residence needs a reasonable excuse for doing so. Visiting family/friends over the Easter break to socialise is NOT a reasonable excuse,” the statement said.

“While we understand that Easter is traditionally a time spent with extended family and friends, these are unprecedented times.

“Unless you are providing care for a family member in another residence, stay at home. Try connecting with friends and family through other means such as over the phone or webcam.”

So please, stay at home over the next few days, as you have likely been doing, and we will hopefully keep the number of infections low.