Two days earlier Scott Morrison had announced that from Monday, March 15, gatherings of more than 500 people outside were banned.

The announcement lead to a flurry of cancellations with Albury Gold Cup, The Man from Snowy River Festival and the Wodonga leg of the Red Hot Summer Tour among the first to announce they would postpone or cancel 2020 events.

The Chryslers on the Murray was one of the final events to go ahead, fitting in between Mr Morrison's announcement of social distancing measure on Friday, and the measures coming into play on Monday.

Two days later on March 17, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade called on Australia citizens living or holidaying overseas to come home "now".

On the Border, the government's social distancing advice resulted in a slew of cancellations including Anzac Day commemorations and the Wall to Wall Festival, while local sport seasons were thrown into doubt.

On March 18, Albury Wodonga Health's drive-through testing began, and the O&M, Tallangatta and Hume leagues announced their football and netball seasons would be postponed until May 31.

Meanwhile Mr Morrison announced indoor gatherings of more than 100 people, including at religious organisations, were banned.

On March 19, Mr Morrison announced Australia would close its borders to all non-citizens or residents.

On the same day in Albury, Scots School announced face-to-face learning would cease from that day, with classes moved online until further notice.

The next day the Albury Gold Cup ran without a crowd. The Albury Racing Club revealed it was facing its biggest financial challenge in its 139-year history.

On March 21, pubs, licensed clubs, gyms, cinemas and entertainment centres were forced to close while cafes and restaurants were restricted to take-away only.

A one person per four-square-metre rule was applied to funerals.

On March 22, Albury Wodonga Health confirmed a 41-year-old Border man had tested positive for coronavirus.

On March 23, Victoria premier Daniel Andrews broke ranks and brought Victorian school holidays forward so they began on March 24.

Mr Morrison announced on March 24 returning travellers must undertake a 14-day enforceable quarantine period at designated accommodation.

Mr Morrison said schools would transition to a new mode of learning and asked for "only children of workers for whom no suitable care arrangements are available at home to support their learning, physically attend school".

The same day, officials confirmed the border between the states would not close, after Albury mayor Kevin Mack speculated closure was "imminent".

On March 26, front-line Albury Wodonga Health workers called on residents to social distance to save lives and outlined AWH preparation work.

On March 29, the National Cabinet announced gatherings would be limited to two people, unless from the same household. Funerals were limited to 10 people, while weddings were restricted to five people.

The National Cabinet declared there were only four reasons to leave the house; to shop for necessities; for medical, healthcare or compassionate needs; to exercise; or to work or study if unable to do so from home.

Senior citizens wee told to self isolate and playgrounds, skate parks and outside gyms in public places were closed.

The first Border coronavirus-related death was announced on April 4. Beryl Bourke, 74, died in Albury after contracting COVID-19 overseas.

On April 7, Murrumbidgee Local Health District launched a campaign to recruit 600 new staff to deal with coronavirus.

On April 10, North East police revealed they handed out 13 fines in just 24 hours to people breaching coronavirus restrictions in Wangaratta and Wodonga.

Tourist towns like Yarrawonga remained eerily quiet over the long Easter weekend following a massive push for Australians to stay home and not travel.