Australia’s oldest state vs. state rivalry has just been reignited following NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s words of warning after a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Victoria.
During a recent press conference, Berejiklian told NSW reporters, “I call on all organisations not to interact with citizens from Melbourne at this stage.”
“I would definitely encourage organisations to consider who to allow on their premises and where they’re coming from,” she added, reiterating that accommodation owners, operators and vendors are “at liberty to accept or reject any traveller.”
It’s some pretty savage advice, but no surprise considering the recent increase in coronavirus cases in Victoria. With 16 new cases recorded over the past 24 hours, Victoria is the only state in Australia still experiencing infections into the double digits.
This week, ski season officially kicked off and with popular resorts like Thredbo and Perisher close to the NSW-VIC border, there is a high risk of transmission. Not to mention the fact that school holidays are soon to begin and there will be increased travel.
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During the conference, Berejiklian also warned NSW workers against travelling to and from Melbourne for business while the state struggles to flatten the COVID-19 curve.
“I think it’s the prerogative of every business, every organisation not to accept anyone from these hotspots at this time,” she said.
Berejiklian’s warning comes just days after Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced the government would be walking back relaxed COVID-19 restrictions in the wake of increased transmission.
“We have had cases of people gathering in large numbers, everybody at their home or another family member’s home or a close friend’s home, even though they had been told to isolate in their own home,” he said, as per The Guardian.
“It is unacceptable that families anywhere in our state can, just because they want this to be over, pretend that it is. It is not over.”
As of this week, Victorians are limited to household gatherings of five people and outdoor gatherings of up to 10.
According to the ABC, the Victorian Government is also set to ramp up its COVID-19 testing program and is considering imposing stay-at-home restrictions for the state’s coronavirus hotspots which are Hume, Casey, Brimbank, Moreland, Cardinia and Darebin municipalities.
Judging by Gladys Berejiklian’s comments, Melbournians looking for a quick NSW getaway won’t be welcomed with open arms until the number of COVID-19 cases in Victoria decreases.
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