Victoria deems Greater Sydney a ‘red zone’, slams borders shut

Sydney has been deemed a red zone, meaning only Victorians who apply for a permit will be able to return home, where they will need to quarantine.

More than six million Sydney residents will be barred from entering Victoria from tomorrow, after the Acting Premier deemed the city a red zone.

Yesterday, James Merlino declared seven local government areas in Sydney were red zones, but extended that on Thursday to include all of Greater Sydney and Wollongong.

It comes as the state confirmed another locally acquired case, a Victorian man who had recently been in Sydney.

The red zone classification will be in place from 1am on Friday, just as Victoria eases restrictions brought about after is two-week lockdown earlier this month.

“The steps we need to take to help us stay safe are now more than ever,” Mr Merlino said.

Victoria Police have increased their presence at the border with NSW, and will continue to do so when the red zone comes into place at 1am Friday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Simon Dallinger

Health Minister Martin Foley said the situation in New South Wales was “rapidly developing”, and Victoria needed to “act quickly” to keep the state secure.

As a classified red zone, only Victorians will be able to return to the state from Greater Sydney, but will need to apply for a permit and must quarantine for 14 days on arrival.

Mr Foley said the red zone did not include Sydney Airport for passengers in transit, but urged anyone travelling via Sydney not to leave the airport.

“We are acting quickly to make sure that Victoria states secure and safe,” he said.

“There is an increased Victoria Police presence already in place along our border with New South Wales.

“Mobile vehicle patrols using car registration details, scanning vehicles who may have travelled to NSW, including those who may have been in the red zone.”

The border bubble for regional communities remains in place.

Minister Health Martin Foley said this was ‘not the time for selfish behaviour’. Picture: NCA NewsWire/David Geraghty

Mr Foley said he wanted to stress that this was “not the time for selfish behaviour”.

“Anyone who puts the health and safety of the Victorian community at risk will be held to account by our authorities, and that includes substantial fines,” he said.

“Do not fly into a red zone if you are from Victoria, and if you are not Victorian and you have been in a red zone … you cannot get a red zone permit to enter Victoria.

“If you try to enter Victoria through the airport, you can be fined and you will be sent back.”

Mr Foley urged any Victorian in a red zone wanting to come home to ensure they have applied for their red zone permit, and to know they will need to be tested and quarantine for 14 days.