NSW has temporarily closed its border with Victoria to contain the spread of COVID-19, effective as of 12.01am today (8 July).
Announced by the Premier, Gladys Berejiklian the closure follows the spread of COVID-19 through Melbourne and is intended to protect the health and jobs of NSW citizens.
Ms Berejiklian said the decision to close the border was made after consulting with the NSW Chief Health Officer and discussions with the Prime Minister and the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.
“The people of NSW have done an incredible job to help stop the spread of COVID-19, allowing us to open up our economy,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The outbreak of cases we are seeing in Victoria is putting these gains at risk,” she said.
“I do not take this step lightly, but have always said we will do what we must to protect the health and jobs of NSW residents.”
Ms Berejiklian stressed the border closure was a temporary measure.
“As I have said before, it is in our national interest for borders to be open,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard said the swift action was necessary to protect NSW residents and assist Victoria in its attempts to bring the outbreak under control.
“We must remain flexible throughout this ongoing pandemic and adjust our strategies as the threat grows and recedes,” Mr Hazzard said.
“This is not the first spike and it is unlikely to be the last,” he said.
Mr Hazzard said NSW residents who returned from a Melbourne hotspot were already required to self-isolate for 14 days and the requirement had now been extended to anyone returning from Victoria.
He said there would be provisions in place for residents of border regions, such as Albury and Wodonga.
