OUR SAY: Standing with us is so important as we tackle COVID-19 outbreak

The COVID-19 pandemic has been going on for so long now that at times it is hard to remember what life was like before those first travel bans on China were announced in early 2020.

In effect, our new normal - in between episodes of lockdowns and heavier restrictions - just hasn't been how we would have once defined the term.

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That is sure to have played on the minds of us all without even realising it as we've really had no choice but to keep going with our lives as best we can.

But all the while - in the background, like white noise - the anxiety, the worry, the numbing state of just being tired of the whole show has been silently accumulating.

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All that means the major outbreak now being experienced on the Border is most likely making so many of us feel even more under pressure.

The cases are worrying enough on their own, especially for families and close contacts.

And it is heartbreaking to think of those lives that have been lost in recent days, including our first from community transmission.

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This places great importance then on the visit to Albury on Friday by NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant.

The numbers of cases meant such a visit really was a must-do within the context of trying to provide the community with some tools to get us through the coming weeks.

Professor Chant came armed with sensible advice on the best way to tackle the outbreak in the here and now, with a particular focus on ensuring school-aged children spend most of their time at home and not go out and socialise with friends.

But it was crucial also to hear that someone such as Professor Chant is by our side, that our anxious times are at the forefront of those making the decisions from above.

And her decision to apologise to our community for the mangled messaging on what we needed to do to get through this outbreak was equally significant.

Being listened to really is that important.

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