Australia: Victoria to close border with New South Wales from 2359 Jan. 1 /update 17

Event

Officials in Victoria will close the border with New South Wales (NSW) from 2359 Jan. 1 to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Exemptions are in place for freight and air crew and medical and emergency reasons, among others. Officials said they would also announce more information on exceptions for border communities. Victorian residents who arrive in the state by 2359 Jan. 1 must quarantine at designated facilities for 14 days upon arrival.

Additionally, authorities will designate the Blue Mountains region and Wollongong in NSW as "red zones" and ban entry from these locations from 2359 Dec. 31. It is unclear whether the government provides any exemptions from the policy. Officials advise people already in Victoria who have visited the Blue Mountains or Wollongong since Dec. 27 to undergo COVID-19 testing and self-quarantine at their residence until receiving a negative test result.

Authorities previously designated the Northern Beaches as a "hot zone" and other areas in metropolitan Sydney and the NSW Central Coast as "red zones." Officials have banned individuals with a recent travel history in the hot zone and most people with recent travel history in a red zone from entering Victoria. However, exceptions are possible with approval. Permitted visitors from a red zone must quarantine in a government-designated facility for 14 days upon arrival. Most individuals traveling from other areas of New South Wales to Victoria must apply for a Border Crossing Permit before entry. Residents from specified border communities do not require a permit. Police have imposed traffic checkpoints along roads linking Victoria with New South Wales to enforce the movement restrictions. The government could further expand entry restrictions at short notice.

Victoria is maintaining internal COVID-19 controls. Authorities have reduced the cap for in-home gatherings to 15 people. Outdoor public gatherings remain limited to a maximum of 100 people. Facemasks are mandatory at indoor locations, except for private residences. Entertainment venues can operate at 75-percent capacity, up to 1,000 people. Companies must adhere to one person per two square meters (21 square feet), regardless of the total number of patrons. However, dance floors can remain limited to one person per four square meters (43 square feet) up to 50 people. Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs can hold up to 25 people before density limits take effect. Gyms, pools, and recreation centers must follow the four-square-meter rule. The government also requires high traffic businesses and community venues to maintain contact details of patrons - usually through a quick response (QR) code - or follow the four-square-meter rule.

Quarantine Requirements
All travelers entering Australia, including Australian citizens and permanent residents, must quarantine in government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. Quarantine fees are AUD 3,000 (USD 2,130) for the first adult, AUD 1,000 (USD 710) per additional adult, and AUD 500 (USD 371) per child; the government does not charge fees for children under three years old. Authorities require quarantined travelers to take a COVID-19 test on the third and eleventh day of quarantine.

Context

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Remain polite and nonconfrontational if questioned by security personnel. Avoid crowded areas as a precaution. Stock up on essential supplies. Confirm business appointments in affected areas. Check the status of flights with airlines if flying into Melbourne in the coming weeks.

Exercise basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

Victoria Government
Victoria COVID-19 Reopening Roadmap
Victoria Department of Health and Human Services
Victoria Border Crossing Permit