NSW Health Minister warns COVID-19 restrictions may be reinstated if cases jump

Sydney: NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard says the government has not ruled out reinstating pandemic measures if coronavirus cases jump in the state. Mr Hazzard spoke to 2GB radio’s Ben Fordham as the closure of the NSW and Victoria border began yesterday.

He confirmed health authorities are investigating two people infected with the virus in the Albury area. Mr Hazzard said one had been a recent traveller to Melbourne.

“There is a high level of concern about what is happening in Melbourne right now ... We’re concerned it (COVID-19) might get into the regional areas,” he said. Mr Hazzard urged NSW residents not to travel to Victoria but said if they must they would be required to enter two weeks of self quarantine when they return to NSW.

And returning travellers from Victoria will need a permit to enter NSW. He also said health checks were being carried out at NSW rail stations on train travellers arriving from Victoria.

He said health authorities were hopeful they can keep community transmissions to a minimum but if there were major spikes like in Victoria, restrictions would be reinstated.

“What we don’t want is broadscale community transmission like in Victoria,” he said.