The amendment to the Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control) Order 2020, under section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010, directs that entry into NSW from Victoria will be further limited and a new criteria for exemption permits will apply.
All permits approved under the previous order will expire at that time and anyone eligible to travel into NSW will need to reapply for a new permit on the Service NSW website.
New permits for residents in border zones only allow for travel within the ’border zone’ in which they reside for work or education – if they can’t work or learn from home – and to obtain medical care, supplies or health services.
If a border resident travels beyond the designated border zone, they will be required to self-isolate for 14 days after they return to NSW.
The amendment also provides police and health officials with powers to request the cancellation of a permit for a person who is not a resident of NSW and poses an unacceptable health risk, and direct them to leave NSW.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller reiterated that the state is at a critical stage of the pandemic and urged the community to work with police to minimise the risk of community spread.
“Our greatest chance to reduce the spread of COVID-19 is for everyone to follow the advice of health officials, and comply with the Public Health Orders,” the Commissioner said.
“We currently have numerous police operations underway across NSW to enforce the Orders, and while we have the continued support of the vast majority of the community, now is not the time for complacency.
“In this current environment, I am reluctant to honour warnings for anyone who knowingly and deliberately breaches Ministerial Directions.
“We must condemn any behaviour that jeopardises the health and safety of our community.”