Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews had some sobering words for those pinning their hopes on interstate travel, saying he would not rule out a potential travel ban for virus “hot spots”.
His comments come after Victoria was forced to impose new restrictions after another 25 COVID-19 cases were recorded in the state.
“We would probably get to a point where we advised against travel,” Mr Andrews said.
“If you felt you needed to travel, you may well be subject to quarantine for a two-week period which I think would mean most travel would not happen,” he said during press briefing on Saturday.
“In terms of the border that remains open with New South Wales, I’ll be having a conversation with Premier Gladys Berejiklian and I think that conversation will focus on potentially limiting the opportunity for people to travel from Victoria if they live in one of those hot spots. I think that’s a fair and proportionate response.”
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While the Premier assured people he had no intention of closing the border “more formally”, these conversations are being had internally in light of significant community transmission.
“These are low numbers. We are acting quickly and early to get back on top of it,” he assured listeners.
Mr Andrews also encouraged people to notify police and report any breaches of the COVID restrictions.
“After midnight tomorrow night, I would urge anybody who thinks that their neighbour or someone down the road from them or whomever it might be is having a gathering that is more than their household plus a maximum of five guests, they’d absolutely be doing the right thing to call the police assistance line,” he said.
“A COVID-19 breach report would be made and police won’t hesitate to act. If you are doing something that is against the rules, the rules aren’t there just to protect you, they’re there to protect everyone, and the way each individual and family behaves has a direct bearing on the safety of all Victorians.”
Victoria is now considered one of those virus hot spots after reporting 13 new cases on Friday alone.
It’s the third day in a row the state has recorded double-digit infections.
Victoria is set to reimpose restrictions after recording another 25 new coronavirus cases today.
From midnight tomorrow household gatherings will be restricted to a maximum of five guests, and public gatherings will have a limit of 10 people.
And the planned easing of restrictions for pubs and restaurants has also been deferred.
The new rules will come into place from midnight tomorrow and stay in place until midnight on July 12.
– with wires
