For the first time since 1919, the border between Victoria and New South Wales will close.
This morning, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian and Victorian premier Daniel Andrews met to discus the recent spike of coronavirus cases in Victoria.
At a press conference this morning, premier Andrews confirmed that the border between Victoria and NSW will close from 11.59pm on Tuesday, July 7th.
“All of us agree that the best thing to do is to close the border,” he said.
Today, Victoria reported 127 new cases of coronavirus — marking the highest daily increase since the pandemic began.
The New South Wales government has implemented a ban that will stop Melburnian’s living in coronavirus hotspots from entering the state. Health Minister Brad Hazzard emphasise that anyone from an affected Victorian postcode found in New South Wales could be jailed for six months, or fined $11,000.
“It’s not something we want to do but we must do for our own safety,” Mr Hazzard said. “As soon as you set foot in NSW, you’ll be exposed to the possibility of six months jail and $11,000 fine.
“So take it seriously, take it very, very seriously.”
New South Wales residents returning from the coronavirus infected hotspots will be required to quarantine for 14 days upon their return.
Premier Berejiklian expressed hope that the penalties against Victorian residents would not have to be enforced.
“If the Victorian authorities are doing their job, where they’re having strong compliance in travelling around those streets and those suburbs I don’t expect anyone to be breaching, to be able to actually get out of those hotspots in the first place,” she shared.
From 11:59pm tonight, around 311,000 Melbourne residents will be subjected to a lockdown that will only allow them to leave their house for essential reasons — such as grocery shopping or exercising.
