We've got 2432 reasons to be proud.
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That is the number of COVID-19 tests undertaken in the Eurobodalla Shire between Friday, July 17, and Wednesday July 29.
An even better figure is the big zero showing we have had no new infections since the original group of eight was discovered.
The first two infections were confirmed on Friday, July 17, and six others two nights later.
Best wishes to those who are Eurobodalla Shire residents and fingers crossed no new cases emerge.
Our permanent gratitude to those conducting and processing the tests in difficult conditions.
No-one wants to be in those queues again, but more importantly, we cannot afford for COVID-19 to get a grip in our shire.
We've said it before, and we will keep saying it: about 30 per cent of our shire is aged 65 years or more. That is roughly double the national average.
We have not one intensive care bed. NOT ONE.
Listen to our front-line doctors, nurses, aged care workers, paramedics and shop assistants.
Yes, it's uncomfortable and inconvenient; yes, your glasses fog up; yes, it discourages verbal communication (what's not to like?).
No, it's not as bad as intubation. It's a temporary inconvenience compared to the potential life-long ill effects of a COVID-19 infection - if you survive it.
Yes, we want our South Coast economies to rebound, but that will not happen if we catch a terminal case of "one step forward, two steps back".
Businesses opening only to shut again if yet another infection cluster is discovered will ruin everyone's confidence.
We on the coast do not have many reserves after the summer, autumn and looming spring of discontent. There is an argument for discouraging visitors from outside the area and lavishing as much local love as possible on our own businesses - as safely as possible.
We've got 2432 reasons to be proud ... and no excuse for complacency.
We're a laid-back mob on the coast, but given the numbers of people who have had swabs pushed up their nostrils, a fresh outbreak will be decidedly on the nose.
It's likely to be met with anger no political praise will assuage.
