Police are reminding the community that restrictions still apply for travel from Victoria into NSW, and exempt residents must use specific routes to be granted entry at the southern border.
Under a new exemption issued by the NSW Government yesterday (Friday 9 October 2020), returning NSW residents and residents of Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and the ACT and Northern Territory may enter NSW at one designated checkpoint without a permit and only if they meet certain criteria.
These residents will only be granted entry at the George Caffey Bridge on the Sturt Highway at Mildura.
In addition, they must not have been in Victoria in the previous 14 days, other than travelling on the Sturt Highway for the purpose of getting to or from NSW and South Australia.
Those who are unable to meet the requirements for an exemption will be refused entry into NSW and must return to Victoria.
Other specific circumstances of travel from Victoria into NSW will still require a permit. Apply here: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-covid-19-nsw-border-entry-permit
More information about restrictions at the border can be found at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules/border-restrictions
There are no restrictions in place for states or territories other than Victoria to cross the NSW border; however, each has its own entry requirements and travel restrictions from NSW.
The community is reminded they must also comply with any border rules of the state or territory they are entering or leaving.
The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) provides police with the power to enforce Public Health 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 permits or exemptions, with a maximum penalty of $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 that may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
