The NSW And Victorian Border Will Close Following A Surge In COVID-19 Cases
It comes after Victoria recorded another 127 COVID-19 cases overnight
The Victorian-New South Wales border will close from 11.59pm tomorrow night, as the spike in coronavirus cases in Victoria continues to grow.
In a press conference Premier Daniel Andrews today said it was a precautionary measure to help stop the spread of the virus to the rest of the country.
“I think it’s the safe call, the right call, given the very signification challenges we face in containing this virus,” Andrews said.
Until now, the NSW-Vic border was the only one that hasn’t closed during the pandemic — the two states share at least 50 crossing and a number of border towns, like Albury-Wodonga, where residents often live and work on opposite sides of the border.
Premier Andrews said there will be a permit system in place for people who need to travel across the border, with more details on that to come later today.
Overnight Victoria recorded another 127 cases, with 645 now active across the state. Sadly, overnight a man in his 90s died in hospital.
The border closure comes after talks between Premiers Daniel Andrews, Gladys Berejiklian and Prime Minister Scott Morrison this morning.
The closure will be managed on the NSW side of the border to allow Victoria to focus their resources on fighting the pandemic.
NSW Premier Berejiklian will be holding a press conference later this morning with more information.