Victoria records two new local cases of coronavirus, tightens border bubble with NSW

Victoria has announced changes to its border bubble with NSW after recording two new cases and moving out of lockdown.

Victoria has further tightened its border bubble with regional NSW residents, with eligible people now only allowed to cross into the state for six essential reasons.

Residents along the border will only be able to cross the border to access essential services, caregiving and exercise from 11.59pm on Tuesday.

Victorian health minister Martin Foley said the decision was made as the Covid-19 crisis in NSW continued to deterioriate.

Residents had previously been allowed to cross into the state for any reason.

“Things in NSW are expected to get worse before they get better and we want to make sure our border bubble arrangements are based on that risk assessment,” Mr Foley said.

“When the NSW outbreak gets better, as ultimately it will, then I’m sure we’ll review the rules. If it gets worse, we have to foreshadow that the rules might get tougher.”

There are now only six essential reasons for NSW border residents to cross into Victoria. Picture: Simon Dallinger

NSW border residents are now only allowed to cross into Victoria for six essential reasons including:

• For necessary goods and services including medical care and getting a Covid test
• Care and compassionate reasons
• Paid or volunteer work
• Education
• Getting a Covid vaccination
• For sport and exercise

People crossing the border must also not travel further than reasonably necessary.

Mr Foley said those caught breaking the rules could face fines up to $5492.

“We don’t make these changes lightly, we know there will be an impact on border residents,” he said.

“But we know an outbreak of the Delta variant on our doorstop will have an even more negative impact on our border communities.”

Victoria recorder two local cases on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire /David Crosling

It comes after Victoria recorded two new local cases on Monday, as the state continues its cautious path out of a two-week lockdown.

Both infections were linked to existing clusters and had been in quarantine during their entire infectious period, Victorian Department of Health officials said.

The cases include a household contact linked to AAMI Park, and the Moonee Valley traffic controller.

Authorities also confirmed that all residents at a Stillman St Richmond apartment complex had so far tested negative.

The state’s active caseload has shed 27 infections, dropping to 134 active cases on Monday.

More than 21,417 tests were carried out in the past 24 hours, and 15,030 vaccine doses administered.

Victorians must continue wearing masks in all indoor and outdoor settings in a bid to keep the community free of the virus. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

It comes after revelations just 10 Victorians who tested positive for Covid-19 during the state’s latest outbreak were vaccinated against the virus, highlighting the importance of getting the jab.

A snapshot of the 204 coronavirus cases in Victoria between July 12 and 28 showed only 10 were fully vaccinated against the virus, Victoria chief health officer Brett Sutton said.

“Of those 10 positive cases who were fully vaccinated, none of them were hospitalised, all were either completely without symptoms or had mild symptoms,” Professor Sutton said.

Victoria has recorded more than 200 cases linked to the two outbreaks that jumped the border from Sydney’s deadly Delta cluster – one from a team of Sydney removalists who transited through the state and the other from a family who returned to Melbourne’s north from a NSW red zone.

Health officials will front the media later on Monday.

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