Coronavirus: Deputy PM Michael McCormack urges Australians to avoid regional areas this Easter

Nationals leader and deputy prime minister Michael McCormack has urged city-based Australians to avoid travelling to regional Australia this Easter.

The coronavirus pandemic has thrown traditional holiday plans into disarray and speaking to 9News political reporter Kerrie Yaxley, Mr McCormack said "the message is clear: stay at home".

"We don't want people," Mr McCormack said.

"Our health systems, they're geared up to look after our own residents.

"We don't want another outbreak or any outbreak to occur in regional Australia.

"The number of ICU beds aren't what they are in the city."

He urged Australians not to get complacent and think the rules don't apply to them.

Mr McCormack also insisted the movement of freight in Australia would continue largely unaffected despite strict new border restrictions.

"Some states have tougher rules than others, but they're all necessary and just trying to save people's livelihoods and save people's lives," he said.

Watch the interview in the player above.