NSW coronavirus infections rise by three, Victorian border restrictions to be eased

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the coronavirus situation in her state was improving.(AAP: Bianca De Marchi)

Travel restrictions for residents on the NSW-Victoria border will be eased, allowing some agricultural workers to travel 100 kilometres north of the Murray River.

Currently, border residents with permits to enter NSW must stay within a 2.5km zone, but Deputy Premier John Barilaro today revealed that would be extended to 50km, with a 100km exemption for agricultural workers.

The announcement comes as NSW recorded three new coronavirus infections, and police charged a Victorian man who allegedly crossed the border illegally and lead them on a 200-kilometre car chase.

One of the three new COVID-19 cases is in hotel quarantine and the other two are linked to known cases.

“We’re so pleased so many people are coming forward to get tested and we need that to continue,” Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

“Into the next weeks, you will notice a yo-yo effect.

“Of course, we are certainly in a much better position today than we were some weeks ago and we want that situation to continue.”

Chief medical officer Kerry Chant said one of the cases linked to a known source was a healthcare worker at Liverpool Hospital and the other was a student of Our Lady of Mercy College in Parramatta.

Meanwhile, Mr Barilaro said he hoped the easing border restrictions would make life easier for people in communities that straddle the state line.

“I understand the uniqueness, the anomalies, that often in normal circumstances make it difficult to live in these communities [and] you put a layer of COVID over the top of this community and restrictions, it really makes it difficult,” he said.

Victorians who live in border communities are eligible to get a permit to enter NSW for work, education, medical care and supplies or to provide or receive care.

Meanwhile, a man from Warnambool, Victoria has been charged after he allegedly unlawfully drove into NSW and led police on a 200-kilometre pursuit.

Police say the 51-year-old was trying to reach Canberra and the chase only came to end when he ran out of fuel.

Officers had stopped the man’s convertible at a checkpoint on the Hume Highway and discovered he had no permit to enter the state and had attempted to cross the border without a permit before.

Police say they were escorting the man back to Victoria when he sped away, and, at one stage, was travelling 172kph.

The man is due to face Gundagai Local Court today on several charges.

Source: abc