Queues of Victorians trying to enter New South Wales (NSW) stretched up to four kilometres overnight when the state border closed at 11:59 p.m. on July 7 to stop the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP virus.
An escalating number of cases of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as novel coronavirus, have been registered in Victoria, with a record 191 infections on July 7, exceeded the next day, prompting NSW and Victoria to seal off their states.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller told ABC radio that over 600 police officers would now patrol the 55 crossing points between the two states.
Border Permit Site Crashes
A public health order by the NSW government has deemed that no one can enter NSW from Victoria unless they can fulfill specific exemption requirements, such as those who need to travel for work or health care.Others who want to cross the border after the closure would need to apply for permits and to self-isolate for 14 days.
Obtaining a travel permit though was difficult for many, after the NSW border permit website ran into technical difficulties, ceasing to work just hours before the border closed.
On July 8, the NSW government warned those seeking permits they may face delays after the Service NSW permit application system experienced high levels of demand.
However, the NSW government did note that a person can still demonstrate their eligibility to cross the border to police by carrying relevant documentation based on the exemption requirements.
