The Victorian Government has declared all of NSW as 'orange zones' after and increase in unlinked coronavirus cases in Sydney.
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The changes comes after Victoria recorded three new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, all in hotel quarantine.
The government noted the shift at coronavirus.vic.gov.au, stating "out of an abundance of caution, current green zone Local Government Areas in NSW (all located within the cross-border community) will become orange zones effective as of 6:00am on 2 July".
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Holiday-makers from outside the border bubble, such as Melbourne, will need to have a COVID test within three days of returning to their home if they stayed in places like Moama, Barham, Deniliquin or Tocumwal.
Minister for Health Martin Foley said border bubble tourisms would be able to "get a test at a time of convenience within that first 72 hours" of returning home.
"There is no change to the border bubble," Mr Foley said.
The border bubble is designed to protect communities on both sides who live and reside there for the free exchange of keeping those communities going for work for healthcare for education.
- Martin Foley
"So there's no change to the goal."
Murray Regional Tourism chief executive Mark Francis was gutted by news of the border zone change.
"It's extremely disappointing and frustrating given it compounds the challenges for us already," he said.
"It places a higher importance on the NSW support package."
Mr Foley said Victoria Police had been actively patrolling the border, especially along the Murray River region with 2,100 people stopped and checked.
Authorised health officers will be supported by 50 Australian Defence Force personnel for household checks.
Mr Foley said the government had "very productive discussions" with the border commissioner and local governments about the changing zones.
"The truth is just beyond the border bubble, substantial parts of NSW that are a risky place to be and if you have moved from the border bubble into those risky places, it is only prudent that Victoria take steps to keep Victorians safe," he said.
"To be clear, there is no change to the arrangements regarding that border bubble.
"There are measures in place to protect Victorian community from the risks of the coronavirus, which continues to grow in NSW.
"As the chief health officer indicated, there is movement between regional NSW and Sydney for essential purposes, it is only prudent and it is only safe that if there is a risk of transmission of the virus through people in an orange zone into Victoria, then we will take the necessary steps to protect our community from that spread."
What does it mean if I'm in an orange zone within the border bubble?
Those living in Victoria and NSW border communities will continue to be able to access the 'border bubble' by using their driver licence to prove their residential address and do not need to apply for a travel permit.
The Department of Health states that an orange zone means a location has been assessed as medium risk for coronavirus transmission.
Those travelling from a designated orange zone must apply for a permit to enter Victoria unless they are a border bubble resident.
People cannot apply for a permit if they have COVID-19 symptoms, or if they have visited a red zone.
People can travel through a red zone for the purpose of transit.
In order to enter Victoria from an orange zone outside of the border bubble, a traveller must agree to the requirement of self-quarantine, get a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival and remain in self-quarantine they receive a negative test result.
If the orange zone change has effected your holiday, let us know via kim.price@bendigoadvertiser.com.au
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