The situation in NSW is changing fast.
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.
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'.
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.
Anyone from the red zone found trying to enter Victoria in breach of these orders will be subject to mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine.
For Victorians currently in Greater Sydney or on the Central Coast, you'll have until 11:59pm on Monday 21 December to return home.
You'll need to register for an exemption on the Service Victoria website and get tested within 24 hours of your return.
You'll need to register for an exemption on the Service Victoria website and get tested within 24 hours of your return.
You'll then need to self-quarantine at home for 14 days from the date you were last in a red zone.
DHHS teams will be checking on people to make sure they have everything they need – and to make sure they're at home.
DHHS teams will be checking on people to make sure they have everything they need – and to make sure they're at home.
Anyone currently in the Northern Beaches 'hot zone' – including Victorians – remain under the NSW Chief Health Officer's stay at home orders and will not be permitted to travel to Victoria.
Victoria Police are setting up additional border check-points to ensure only those with permits are allowed to cross into our state.
Regional New South Wales remains a green zone, but residents will still need a valid permit to enter Victoria.
Regional New South Wales remains a green zone, but residents will still need a valid permit to enter Victoria.
People living in local government areas along both sides of the border will be able to use their driver's licence as a passport to travel between Victoria and NSW.
We're also working with the ACT Govt to stop travellers from the red zone entering Victoria via Canberra Airport.
We're also working with the ACT Govt to stop travellers from the red zone entering Victoria via Canberra Airport.
I know lots of families will be feeling pretty gutted – especially since we've all waited so long for that special time together.
But let's face it – nothing could be as disappointing as seeing all our sacrifices evaporate. Nothing is worth that risk.
But let's face it – nothing could be as disappointing as seeing all our sacrifices evaporate. Nothing is worth that risk.
Just finally – this will only work if we all do the right thing.
Please don't look for loopholes or try and skirt the rules.
Your family, your community and your state depend on it.
Please don't look for loopholes or try and skirt the rules.
Your family, your community and your state depend on it.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
