Australia to shut state border as Melbourne infections surge
- by Virginia Carter
- in World Media
- — Jul 7, 2020
"That closure will be enforced on the NSW side so as not to be a drain on resources that are very much focused on very much fighting the virus right now across our state, and I'm very grateful to the Premier of NSW for her support in giving effect to that".
At a press conference this morning, Victorian premier Daniel Andrews announced that the border between Victoria and NSW will close from 11.59pm on Tuesday July 7.
The border between the country's two most populated states is set to shut for the first time in over 100 years tomorrow night, as Victorian continues to grapple with a second wave of coronavirus cases.
Australian Medical Association President Tony Bartone called for a temporary halt to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions across the country after the alarming surge in Victoria. Morrison had urged state leaders to open their borders for the good of the economy.
"The largest downturn is likely to be felt in Victoria given its current spike in cases, as well as that state's dependence on migration and on foreign students in an age of lockdowns and closed borders", Deloitte's Chris Richardson said in the report.
But it was necessary given "the significant challenges we face in containing this virus", Mr Andrews said. Today Victoria reported 127 new cases - the highest ever daily increase since the pandemic began.
The permits would made made available to "anyone who feels they will be impacted too much" by the closure. The uptick has prompted local authorities to enforce social distancing guidelines and put nine public housing buildings on lockdown.
The Victorian government locked down 36 of the most virus-prone Melbourne suburbs last week and at the weekend added another four suburbs because of the disease spread. Unlike residents of privately owned dwellings, the public housing tenants have been prevented from leaving their homes for groceries or exercise.
Nationwide, Australia has recorded more than 8,500 total infections and 106 deaths.
