I know people are concerned about what's happening in NSW.
There's no need to panic – but we absolutely can't afford to get complacent. We all have to take this seriously.
So here's what we're going to do:
From 11.59pm tonight, we're introducing a permit system for everyone entering VIC from NSW. Anyone who has been to the Nthn Beaches & other hotspots (red zone) won't be allowed to enter. Arrivals from these areas after 11.59pm will be transferred to hotel quarantine for 14 days.
People travelling from Greater Sydney (orange zone) are encouraged to get tested on arrival and self quarantine until they receive a negative result.
And we're asking anyone coming from regional NSW (green zone) to monitor for symptoms.
Permits and eligibility will be checked at both ends of flights, and DHHS staff will meet all arriving passengers.
At the same time Victoria Police will begin roving patrols at the land border, just as they did during our response to the South Australia outbreak.
DHHS will also be contacting all airline passengers from NSW who arrived in VIC from 11 Dec. If you travelled from the Nthn Beaches & other NSW exposure sites from 11 Dec, you'll be required to get tested and self quarantine for 14 days from the date you were last in a red zone.
We're also strongly advising Victorians not to travel to Sydney. The situation up there is expected to get worse over the coming days and the red zone is likely to grow.
That means we cannot guarantee you'll be able to come back.
People who've been in red zone areas will not be issued a travel permit – and given the way this thing moves, it's almost certain that more exposure sites will be added.
I know these changes will affect some people's plans for the holidays – and I'm sorry about that.
In such a hard year, so many of us have been counting down until we get to see those we've missed so much.
But no family gathering is worth more than someone's life.
No Christmas lunch is worth risking everything we've worked so hard for.
As difficult as it is, there will be other times to see loved ones. But we don't get a second chance to get this right.
So please – take care. Be kind. And stay safe.
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Case numbers are continuing to grow. There are still missing links in the chains of transmission, which suggests there'll be more cases out there that the authorities are yet to find.
Without mandatory masks and stay at home orders across Sydney, we do not have confidence that the situation remains safe.
That's why from 11:59pm tonight, the Greater Sydney area and the Central Coast will be designated a 'red zone'.
People who live in these areas or have visited since 11 December cannot enter our state.
Anyone from the red zone found trying to enter Victoria in breach of these orders will be subject to mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine.
I'm pleased to announce that after extensive discussion between the Department of Health and the Department of Elf, Santa will be permitted entry to Victoria this Christmas.
Mr Claus and nine reindeer have passed all the necessary tests, and will follow strict instructions to only deliver presents to very good Victorian children.
I just got off a call to deliver the good news, and outline the minimum distance and density requirements for Santa and his little helpers.
Mr Claus agreed that the only thing he and his team will be spreading this Christmas is fun, joy – and a bit of spirit too.
From Madrid to Mumbai, Michigan to Melbourne – the pandemic has laid bare the true cost of insecure work.
With no leave entitlements to fall back on, too many people have been forced into an impossible situation with impossible decisions.
Going to work ill or an empty bank account. The safety of your community or feeding your family. Your health or your rent.
Insecure workers shouldered the burden – but everyone paid the price. And pandemic or not, the principle's the same: no one should be put in this position.
That's why we're stepping in where no one else has.
Our Secure Work Pilot Scheme will provide up to five days of sick or carer's pay for casual and insecure workers in industries where it's needed most – and creating a safety net for those without one.