“Don’t travel to Melbourne unless you have to,” said NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian during a press conference today.

Over the past few days, Victoria has been grappling with a new coronavirus outbreak as a result of community transmission, leading to a tightening of lockdown restrictions. The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee yesterday designated six local government areas in the Melbourne’s north-west and south-east as hotspots of immediate concern: Hume, Casey, Brimbank, Moreland, Cardinia and Darebin.

“Nobody from New South Wales should be travelling to those hotspots at this present time,” said Premier Berejiklian, although the borders between NSW and Victoria will remain open.

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“It’s a good wake-up call for all of us,” she continued. “Many people in the community argue why some of the restrictions are in place and why they seem inconsistent, but they are working. So please keep respecting them ... I’m grateful to the citizens [of NSW].”

“Don’t assume it won’t happen in NSW or anywhere else. It can happen quickly, just with a couple incidences of people spreading it unintentionally, and it can cause a spike.”

As of June 24, Victoria has recorded eight straight days of new cases in the double digits. Gladys Berejiklian has re-confirmed NSW won't close its borders.

Covid-19 (coronavirus) means we’re living in unprecedented and uncertain times. Public gatherings are restricted and minimal social contact is recommended. If you have concerns about visiting businesses or public spaces, or questions about self-isolation or coronavirus testing, check out the latest updates from NSW Health.