NSW/Vic border boost welcomed

MOVES to ease restrictions along the NSW/Victorian border from Fri, will aid access to healthcare for patients in the region, Pharmacy Guild of Australia Victorian Branch President, Anthony Tassone, believes.

Under the new ‘border region resident’ permit system announced by NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, yesterday, a single border region, extending 50km on either side, will be reinstated from 12.01am on Fri.

The new permit will allow Victorian residents to cross into NSW to attend work, obtain necessary goods or services, and for care or other compassionate reasons.

Speaking with Pharmacy Daily, Tassone said the move would benefit patients and pharmacy workers living in the region.

“The Guild welcomes the announcement by the NSW government of increased mobility around the NSW and Victorian border to help support local businesses and residents during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

“This is a sensible move that was much needed to reduce the risk of patients having disrupted access to healthcare and stopping healthcare practitioners and other workers from attending their place of employment.

“The Guild along with the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia in collaboration have been very active in advocating for changes to the border zone order to help increase mobility for residents and pharmacy staff including representations to the NSW Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard and the Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt.”

“Whilst these revisions in the border order do not resolve all of the issues that are being experienced for these communities - they will hopefully go some way in helping the region operate as normally as they can and start the recovery from the COVID pandemic.”