Jubilee Post News & Views
Special Desk
After a recent spike on COVID-19 cases in Melbourne border between Victoria and New South Wales (NSW), Australia’s two most populous states, is closes.
Outbreak in Victoria’s capital has seen hundreds of cases in the past two weeks of which more than 95% were of new Australian infections. Until now, the two states had maintained open borders even when others had shut them.
The closure, which will come in to effect Wednesday onwards, will restrict travel to permit holders.
Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews said it was a joint decision with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
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This is one of those precautionary measures – it is one of those things that I think will help us in broader terms contain the spread of the virus, Andrews told media. He did not spoke on how long the border might remain closed.
The problem escalated in the past fortnight and there are now 482 active cases in the state of Victoria. The numbers remain below Australia’s March peak, but what’s concerning to authorities is that local transmission is now the key source of infections.
Previously, most cases were coming from travellers returning from overseas. Australia’s curve flattened rapidly three months ago with the enforcement of lockdowns and mandatory hotel quarantines for people entering the country. It has had about 8,000 cases in total and 104 deaths.
This is unprecedented in Australia. We have not seen anything like this, said NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian. Andrews said those who had unavoidable travel reasons could apply for permits. He acknowledged the decision would have a significant economic and social impact but said it was necessary given “the significant challenges we face in containing this virus”.
Victoria reported 127 new infections on Monday – its highest daily increase since the pandemic began.
