The NSW Police Force is reminding anyone wishing to cross the border into NSW from Victoria that they must reapply for permits as new restrictions will apply from tonight.
The amendment to the Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control) Order 2020, under section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010, directs that from 12.01am (Wednesday 22 July 2020), 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. This is expected to go live from 4pm today (Tuesday 21 July 2020).
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.”
NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said this was a critical time for NSW to protect the health and safety of citizens.
“Everybody needs to think long and hard about what is at risk here in NSW,” Mr Elliott said.
“This is a matter of life and death and I implore the community to work with police and follow the letter of the law when it comes to Public Health Orders to ensure we can control the spread of COVID-19.”
Operation Border Closure Commander, Assistant Commissioner Scott Whyte, urged the community to avoid travel, where possible, as delays are expected at entry points, particularly in the first 24 hours.
“Our operation, which is continuing to be supported by Australian Defence Force personnel, covers some 34 crossings, stretching the entire length of the border,” Assistant Commissioner Whyte said.
“While we are maintaining a significant operational presence, we anticipate significant delays at the major checkpoints (Albury/Wodonga, Moama/Echuca and Buronga/Mildura), especially during peak times.
“Those who are eligible and need to cross the border are urged to be patient and be ready to produce the exemption, as well as other relevant documents and identification information as they approach staff at the checkpoint.
“If you can delay your travel – even just by a few hours – we strongly encourage you to do so.”
More information about the restrictions is available at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules/border-restrictions.
The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) provides police with the power to enforce Public Helath Orders. It is an offence for a person to fail to comply with an order, and severe penalties apply, which include a maximum penalty of up to $11,000 and/or six months imprisonment for individuals.
The standard penalty will be a $1000 fine by way of a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN).
It is an offence to provide false information when applying for exemptions, with a maximum penalty of up to $22,000 and/or two years imprisonment for individuals.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au or 1800 333 000. Information is treated in strict confidence.
