This archive report was first published on 6 July 2020.
On July 7, 2020, the border between Victoria and New South Wales, Australia's two most populous states, was closed for the first time since the pandemic began, in response to a worsening COVID-19 outbreak.
Victoria, home to over 6.6 million people, reported a record 127 new cases on Monday, with the virus spreading rapidly through Melbourne, including a cluster in several densely populated apartment blocks.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews described the decision to close the state's border as 'the smart call, the right call at this time, given the significant challenges we face in containing this virus.'
Plans to reopen Victoria's border with South Australia have already been put on hold.
After weeks of easing virus restrictions, Melbourne has seen a significant spike in community transmission, leading health officials to effectively shut off some neighborhoods to the rest of the city until the end of July.
Concerns have been raised about the targeted nature of the 'hard lockdown', which saw hundreds of police officers deployed with little warning, leaving some residents unable to stock up on essentials.
Andrews assured that food and toys had been delivered to families, and mental health and medical support were being provided as officials sought to test every resident over the coming days.
With over 8,500 cases of COVID-19 and 105 deaths recorded in Australia, the bulk of new daily cases are now being detected in Melbourne, while most other regions are enjoying relaxed restrictions after largely curbing the virus spread.
