"These are unprecedented times we are facing," MP Toole said.

"Slowing the spread of the highly infectious Coronavirus has to be our number one priority and everyone should follow the basics of hygiene, social distancing and self-isolation.

"I know there will be challenges ahead, but as a community we need to look out for each other and respect all the expert advice being given by health authorities and the government.

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"Remember, you don't have to be close to be kind."

Mr Gee said the coronavirus was having a devastating effect on our country communities and our nation.

"The toll on people's lives and their livelihoods is simply heartbreaking and while it would be easy to slip into a fog of despair, we can't let that happen," he said.

"Too many generations of Australians have sacrificed too much to let our country and all the ideals, hopes and promise that it represents, simply fade away.

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"We have to meet this challenge. There is no choice. The futures of our children and grandchildren are depending on us."

Mr Gee said as difficult and devastating as this time may become, we must get through it.

"And we will," he said.

"From sporting fields to the battle fields, Australians never give up and we never give in.

"Our country communities are the heartland of this nation. We're famed for our common sense and the fact that we stick together through the good times - but most particularly through the bad.

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"Let's look out for each other and be kind to each other. Let's show generosity of spirit. And let's stay calm in the face of this threat.

"Let the next generation of Australians look upon us with the same pride that we look upon those who came before us and built this nation.

"We can and will come through. Day by day. Week by week. Together."

As of Sunday, March 22 there are a total of 22 people in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District who have been confirmed to have coronavirus (COVID-19).

According to a NBMLHD spokesperson their staff are supporting all confirmed COVID-19 cases in the NBMLHD.

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"We have also spoken to all close contacts of confirmed cases and asked them to self-isolate for 14 days from last contact," the spokesperson said.

"People in self isolation will be contacted every day to check they are well and any contact who develops COVID-19 symptoms will be tested for infection."

NBMLHD has opened COVID-19 screening clinics at Lithgow, Blue Mountains, Nepean and Hawkesbury Hospitals.

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As of Sunday, March 22 in the NBMLHD 3187 people tested for COVID-19 and returned negative results.

"Everyone can play a part in helping us contain the spread of COVID-19 by washing hands with soap and water often, using hand sanitiser, coughing and sneezing into your elbow or disposable tissue, maintain social distance and staying home if you're unwell," the spokesperson said.

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