Coronavirus: How long will the NSW Victoria border stay closed?
As the border closes for the first time in 100 years here are the exemptions, rules on travel and — crucially — how long it’s supposed to last.
The announcement that the Victoria and NSW border will close came as the southern state reported its highest number of new COVID-19 cases in a single day since the pandemic began. On Monday morning, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed his state’s border with NSW would be shut from midnight on Tuesday. It marks the first time in 100 years the border between the two states has been closed.
The decision follows mounting pressure on NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to close the border over fears the spike in Victoria would travel north. Ms Berejiklian has for months urged all states and territories to open their borders to interstate travel, but said the situation in Victoria required an exceptional response.
Victoria announced a record high 127 new cases of coronavirus and two deaths on Monday, while NSW reported 10 new cases of the virus, all from returned overseas travellers.
How will it work?
The border closure will be enforced by NSW authorities, with the state’s police force patrolling 55 border crossings with Victoria. These include roads, bridges and waterways.
Drones and aerial surveillance will be used to help monitor bush tracks and rivers, while most resources will be used to patrol the four main roads between the states. The Department of Defence are also expected to assist with the operation.
Police will issue fines and penalties for those who breach the border closure or provide false information about needing to travel. Currently, there is a $11,000 fine and up to six months in jail for people who come from COVID high risk areas of Victoria into New South Wales.
NSW Police are also in talks with Health Minister Brad Hazzard to see if bigger fines and jail sentences can be implemented for those coming from the Melbourne hot spots, where community transmission has caused a massive outbreak of the virus.
How long will it last?
Both Daniel Andrews and Gladys Berejiklian have stressed they hope the closure will be in place for the shortest time possible, but no timeline has been given. Travel between the two states will be off the cards for as long as health officials deem necessary.
Who made the decision?
The decision came out of a morning telephone call between Mr Andrews, Ms Berejiklian and Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Are there exemptions?
Yes. There will be a permit system in place for people who live in border communities, such as Albury-Wodonga, to travel cross the border for work and essential services. Essential workers will also be eligible to apply for exemptions.
The application will be provided online via Services NSW from Tuesday.
Other states have included travelling for compassionate grounds as an exemption to be able to cross state lines during a border lockdown.
Ms Berejiklian’s office has confirmed there will be “special conditions” in place for freight operations and other critical services.
NSW residents returning from Victoria will be required to go into a two-week self-isolation period.
Can I go on a pre-planned holiday across the border?
No. Travelling for recreation will not be a permissible reason to cross the border.
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