NSW will enforce a strict permit system for all flights arriving into the state from Victoria, with all passengers now set to undergo police and health checks on arrival.
Health Minister, Brad Hazzard said the new health measures for Victorian flights would help stop the spread of COVID-19 in NSW.
“Anyone flying into the state from Victoria must be an NSW resident or have a valid permit,” the Minister said.
People who can apply for a permit include:
- defence officials;
- doctors and nurses;
- critical workers in energy, mining and construction;
- child protection workers;
- disability workers.
He said anyone without a permit would be referred to the NSW Police and taken to special accommodation to complete 14 days of quarantine.
Any NSW residents returning home must follow new instructions for travelling home to self-isolate.
The new instructions include:
- avoid using public transport to get home from the airport. Get collected by family or friends in a private car;
- sit in the back seat of the car with the windows down and do not use air conditioning in recirculation mode;
- wear face masks and observe hand hygiene recommendations.
Mr Hazard said NSW Health was recording the contact details of anyone entering NSW from Victoria.
The NSW Police will also be conducting regular compliance checks for anyone required to self-isolate.
He said NSW was constantly reviewing the situation in Victoria and would adjust the health orders as necessary to protect the state.
“There are only limited reasons anyone from Victoria should be entering NSW and people have been turned back despite being allowed on the plane in Melbourne,” Mr Hazzard said.
For more information on self-isolation and permits, visit border restrictions.