Regional NSW in new 'orange' zone, allowed back into Victoria

Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews has announced a new traffic light system to determine who in NSW can get a permit to enter Victoria.

Speaking on Monday afternoon, he said all of regional NSW would be placed in the "orange" category, allowing residents to cross the border, but Sydney would remain classed as "red" and not allowed.

"We know this is a deeply inconvenient challenging time for you," Mr Andrews said.

"It's very important we follow that public health advice."

Permits will be available from the Service Victoria website.

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Victorian chief health officer Brett Sutton said it would be "just a matter of minutes to be able to get that permit", but asked people to have patience with the system as many would be trying to get permits at the start.

Those who have only travelled within the established "border bubble" do not have to get a coronavirus test when they cross the border.

Anyone else arriving in Victoria from an orange zone will need to take a coronavirus test within 72 hours of crossing the border, isolating both before and after the test until they receive a negative result.

"The border will still be patrolled - Victoria Police are doing a very good job," Mr Andrews said.

The new system requires people to apply for a permit to enter Victoria from anywhere in Australia except border communities in NSW where locals must carry proof of their home address.

People who have visited a red zone area in the past 14 days will not be allowed to enter Victoria without exception or exemption. Anyone attempting to do so will be turned away.

An orange zone means travellers must get coronavirus test within 72 hours of arriving in Victoria. They must also isolate before and after their test until a negative result is received.

Green zones mean people can apply for a permit and enter Victoria. Once in Victoria, people must watch for symptoms and get tested if feeling unwell.

More to come