NSW has been put on high alert following the surge of cases in Victoria. NSW Premier Ms Gladys Berjeklian announced that in consultation with the Prime Minister Mr Scott Morrison, a mutual decision was reached with the Victorian Premier Mr Dan Andrews to put in place a temporary closure of borders with Victoria to contain the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health and jobs of NSW citizens. The arrangements will remain in force until it becomes safe to ease the restrictions.
She said "Border community residents will be allowed to travel from Victoria to NSW multiple times by applying for and obtaining a NSW Entry border entry permit.
"From 8 July, you’ll need a border entry permit to travel from Victoria to NSW, except if you're entering NSW:
- as an emergency or law enforcement services worker
- for medical or hospital services
- to avoid injury or escape a risk of harm
- to attend court or to meet other legal obligations.
"Anyone who are caught breach of the restrictions, would be liable for a fine of up to $11,000 or a jail sentence of up to 6 months."
In the meantime, only one of the housing towers in Melbourne has remained at lockdown, with the other eight has been issued 'must stay at home' except for activities such as purchasing of essential food supplies, going to the doctor, where studying and working cannot be done at home.
At mid-day today Queensland opened its borders to all states and territories except to residents and travellers from Victoria. People had to make declaration that they had not been to Victoria in the last 14 days.
Tasmania postponed border opening till 31st July subject to further review. Western Australia has also postponed Stage 5 including the opening of the border until 1st August. The Northern Territory's borders are open from 17th July except to Victoria.
The National Cabinet considered today the proposal to cap international flights coming into Australia. The Prime Minister Mr. Morrison announced at a media briefing this afternoon that it was decided to cap to 4,000 people per week for flights coming into Australia.
The Prime Minister also said: "Social distancing is the new norm, not an exception."
On the other hand, the decision by the Prime Minister to allow extension of visa of HongKong residents who are already in Australia drew ire and condemnation by the Chinese government.