The NSW Government will temporarily shut its border with Victoria to contain the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health and jobs of NSW citizens.
The closure will be effective from 12.01am Wednesday, July 8 and follows the concerning spread of COVID-19 in Melbourne.
The decision to close the border was made after consultation with the NSW Chief Health Officer and discussions with the Prime Minister and the Victorian Government.
The people of NSW have done an incredible job to help stop the spread of COVID-19, allowing us to open up our economy. But the outbreak of cases we are seeing in Victoria is putting these gains at risk.
It is up to everyone to protect the health and jobs of people in our communities, and the border closure is only a temporary measure.
The swift action is necessary to protect NSW residents and to assist Victoria in their attempts to bring the outbreak under control. Our state must remain flexible throughout this ongoing pandemic and adjust our strategies as the threat grows and recedes. This is not the first spike and it is unlikely to be the last.
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.
A hard border will be established by police at appropriate locations to enforce the border closure.
This measure will ensure NSW citizens are protected, but all residents must remain vigilant and continue to present for testing. This is a clear warning for the people of NSW that the pandemic is not over.
