Australia: Officials in Victoria to close border with New South Wales from 23:59 July 11 due to COVID-19 concerns /update 46

Event

Officials in Victoria will close its border to nonresident travelers from the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and New South Wales (NSW) from 23:59 July 11 due to COVID-19 concerns. Officials will declare both areas red zones; Victoria residents can enter the state provided they have not visited an exposure site and do not have COVID-19 symptoms. Nonresidents from red zones are banned, though exemptions are possible for essential reasons or transit or freight workers. Returning residents and other permitted travelers must take a COVID-19 test and self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival. People that live in the designated Victoria-NSW border region are exempt from entry, quarantine, and testing requirements, provided they have not traveled outside the region.

Authorities have lowered the zone designations for other locations in Australia, including parts of the Northern Territory and Western Australia, as of July 11. However, Victoria continues to classify the City of Brisbane, Moreton Bay, and Sunshine Coast local government areas in Queensland as orange zones. Arrivals from orange zones must undergo COVID-19 testing within 72 hours of entry and self-quarantine until they receive a negative result. All travelers to Victoria must apply for a Travel Permit before entry. The government could further adjust border restrictions at short notice.

Local Restrictions
Authorities continue to impose COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria. Residents may have up to 15 people visit their homes per day; public gatherings of up to 50 people are allowed. Officials require people to wear facemasks indoors and recommend people wear facemasks outdoors when maintaining 1.5 meters (5 feet) of physical distancing is impossible.

Officials still encourage companies to allow employees to work from home, if possible. However, authorities allow 75 percent capacity or 30 people at offices, whichever is greater. Officials allow one person per two square meters (21.5 square feet) in nonessential businesses, including retail, as well as at crowd events; such venues must employ a COVID-19 marshal. A density limit of one person per four square meters (43 square feet) is allowed in smaller venues, while one person per two square meters is allowed in larger areas.

Authorities have expanded contact tracing requirements to all businesses. Companies must use the government's quick response (QR) code system in the Service Victoria mobile application, and patrons must use the app to check-in when visiting such establishments. Businesses must provide an alternative check-in method for customers without smartphones. Companies that violate the order face fines of up to AUD 1,652.

Quarantine Requirements
Inbound international commercial flights have resumed. Most international travelers entering Australia must quarantine at government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. Victoria requires inbound travelers to complete a Victorian Quarantine Arrival Form before departure. The state charges travelers for quarantine, payable after the quarantine period. Quarantine fees are AUD 3,000 for the first adult and AUD 1,000 for each additional adult or AUD 500 for children above three years old.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Remain polite and nonconfrontational if questioned by security personnel.

Resources

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