One MP suggested we take the time to enjoy a staycation at home.

It follows a police edict that holidays are not considered essential travel.

Police have said that while it's understandable for families to want to come together and celebrate during these times, we all must do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The NSW premier and the NSW health minister have outlined orders under the Public Health Act that state a person must not leave their home without a reasonable excuse.

These rules do not prohibit people from going to the supermarket and pharmacy, going to and from work if you cannot work from home, going to medical appointments, or leaving for some brief exercise in your own neighbourhood.

President of the Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association Janette Hyde said the state government is discouraging people from travelling this Easter.

"In compliance, we are discouraging holidaymakers to come to our region, particularly this Easter or school holidays," she said.

"As a community, we have to abide by the state government guidelines on not travelling and social distancing.

"We need to be responsible and we need to get through this the best way we can."

Mrs Hyde said the Tourism Association - along with council - were looking forward to seeing holidaymakers return to the area once the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.

"Hopefully we will be back on track in the not too distant future," she added.

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Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams said non-essential travel between regional NSW towns and remote communities must be cancelled.

"Easter holidaymakers should indefinitely postpone their visits, in line with the nationwide effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic," she said.

"People need to stay at home and restrict their essential movements to the local community.

"COVID-19 does not discriminate and does not care about borders, so now is not the time to travel between towns or to relocate, the safest thing you can do right now is stay in your local community."

Cowper MP Pat Conaghan also lent his voice to urging people to respect the current laws.

Easter 2020 is one year tourists, friends and family from out of town should not be travelling to visit the Port Macquarie-Hastings region, he said.

"We love our tourists but this year we are telling them to stay away for the protection of all of our residents," Mr Conaghan said.

"The Order directs that a person must not, without reasonable excuse, leave the person's place of residence. Taking a holiday in a regional area is not a reasonable excuse, so discourage anyone from doing it."

Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie urged residents to enjoy a staycation during the Easter break.

"We are all doing a great job in flattening the curve and slowing the spread of the coronavirus," he said.

"The only reason to leave home are shopping for essentials, medical care, exercise and study or work commitments.

"I understand the restrictions on travel may be tough for some, but they are necessary to keep our community safe."

Police commissioner Mick Fuller reminded the community that travel and holidays are not essential at this time.

"To help contain and slow the spread of COVID-19, we all have to work together and that means staying in our homes and our neighbourhoods for the time being," he said.

The Public Health Order states that "taking a holiday in a regional area is not a reasonable excuse." Individuals who fail to comply risk a fine of up to $11,000 or a maximum penalty of imprisonment for six months.

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