Business Wodonga responds to new mask restrictions in Victoria

Masks became mandatory indoors again as of 5pm New Year's Eve in the latest round of health restrictions across Victoria and is another hit to businesses south of the Border, according to Business Wodonga chief executive Neil Aird.

"It does put us at a disadvantage yet again," he told The Border Mail.

"It is a pity there is no consistency with NSW and Victoria so we don't have the cross-border anomalies we had last time."

Acting Premier Jacinta Allan made the announcement on Thursday morning in response to six coronavirus cases being confirmed in the state in the 24 hours prior.

Private gatherings were also cut down to 15 people in private residences - down from 30 - at the same 5pm deadline.

Mr Aird said it was disappointing businesses were again baring the brunt of coronavirus cases which were mainly in metro settings.

"The issues are with densely populated areas and that has been the issue all along with this pandemic," he said.

"Wodonga has done the right thing all along and even though residents and business owners have been frustrated and angry they can do the right thing.

"But there is only so much they can take.

"We will again see people going across to Albury and NSW to restaurants instead of staying in Wodonga to our local restaurants because of the masks.

"People don't like wearing masks and will much rather go somewhere they don't have to wear one rather than somewhere they do.

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"I am hoping to meet with some government representatives next week and will be putting in our case for businesses here in Wodonga.

"It has been a tough year for businesses in Wodonga and we need to continue to support local businesses as much as we can into the new year."

There are growing calls for Premier Gladys Berejiklian to introduce masks wearing across NSW to help stem the spread of the virus.

This would bring balance to businesses on the Border who have had to deal with differing restrictions based on what state they operate in.