Premier Gladys Berejiklian says the move to close the border between NSW and Victoria “wasn’t a decision we take lightly”.
“Today and tomorrow is the last time in which any Victorians will be allowed across the border unless they have a permit or exemption,” she said.
“We have done this based on health advice, and especially given the fact when our nation had the higher number of cases back in February and March, the vast majority of those cases were from overseas travelers or direct contacts.
“What is happening in Victoria is very different, which is why we have had to take this necessary step.”
There are 55 border crossings between Victoria and NSW, making it a “mammoth task” for NSW Police.
NSW Health Minister, Brad Hazzard, says they were concerned at growing transmission rates in Victoria.
“We have been considering this now for quite some time, and the conversations have been many as to how we could approach this,” Mr Hazzard said.
“We are obviously trying to strike the balance between the health issues here for our residents, but also the economy.
“This morning at 8.05am, Dr Chant conveyed to the government her team’s view that we now had to take further steps to safeguard NSW.
“We do have concerns that it may, in fact, spread beyond Melbourne,” he added.
“Obviously we are hoping it won’t. But we can’t afford that risk here in NSW. So, the decision has been taken that the borders will shut.”
There have been 10 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in NSW overnight after more than 11,000 tests.
There are 69 people with the virus in the state, with one person in intensive care.
Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, says the decision was made after a phone call between Prime Minister Scott Morrison and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian this morning.
“All of us agreed that the best thing to do is to close the border,” Mr Andrews said.
“That closure will be enforced on the New South Wales side, so as not to be a drain on resources that are very much focused on fighting the virus right now across our state.
“I am grateful to the Premier of New South Wales for her support in giving effect to that.”
