That's the unwavering message from health leaders across the south-west, who say people will die if the community does not do the right thing to help stop the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus.

In a powerful video ahead of the Easter long weekend health service chief executive officers urged people to maintain social distancing and hand hygiene to help flatten the curve.

"We want you to help us survive the pandemic, it is unprecedented times and we need your help," Heywood acting chief executive Leigh Parker said.

"If you don't follow the rules people will die, it's that simple."

They said staying home was essential ensure health workers can continue to do their jobs.

"The actions we take today will influence how our community looks tomorrow, so stay home," Terang and Mortlake Health Service chief executive Julia Ogdin said.

"Please help us flatten the curve by doing small things that can make a big difference."

CEOs have contributed from Portland District Health (PDH), Western District Health Service, Heywood Rural Health, Terang and Mortlake Health Service, Timboon and District Healthcare Service, Casterton Memorial Hospital, Moyne Health Services and South West Healthcare.

PDH CEO Chris Giles said everyone needs to take COVID-19 seriously, look out for their neighbours, use reliable sources of information and to follow hospital restrictions.

"Doing the right thing will save lives," Ms Giles said.

"Coming up to Easter, we're trying to get the message out that you should stay at home and not invite friends and relatives from other places.

"We want to keep our communities safe. We don't want influxes of people who might bring the virus with them, and we don't want people to ignore social distancing regulations.

"We need people to bunker down. To use nautical terms, we're in the eye of the storm. It's all calm at the moment but if we don't hold the line, we're going to get smashed."

She said community transmission was now the biggest threat to containing the virus.

"There is community transmission in NSW and some pockets in Victoria," she said. "There are cases every day where we don't know the source. The real risk is if it gets into the community and we have transmissions from unknown sources."

In the video, the health leaders appeal to local communities to stay committed. "We haven't won the race. This is a marathon, not a sprint," Ms Giles said.

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