BORDER CLOSURE TO PROTECT NSW

From 12.01am Wednesday, 8 July, the NSW/VIC border will close, following the concerning spread of COVID-19 in Melbourne.

We have done a fantastic job in NSW of limiting the spread, allowing our economy to reopen, so this temporary measure is critical to ensure NSW does not see another large outbreak.

NSW residents returning from a Melbourne hotspot are already required to go into 14 days of self-isolation. This requirement will be extended to anyone returning from Victoria. This will be backed by heavy penalties and fines.

There will be provisions in place for residents of border regions, such as Albury-Wodonga.

 Special conditions will be in place for freight operations and other critical services, and a hard border will be established at appropriate locations to enforce the border closure.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the measure will ensure NSW citizens are protected, and she urged residents here to remain vigilant and continue to present for testing.

“The Victorian increase in community transmission has been particularly worrying,” Dr Chant said.

“This is a warning for NSW that the pandemic is not over.”