The Victorian government has officially downgraded Albury from an extreme risk zone to a red zone.
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The chief health officer order comes into effect at 11.59pm September 23.
This brings it in line with all other NSW local government areas within the border bubble.
Residents in Albury can now cross into the Victorian side of the border bubble with no permit for any reason.
Do I need a permit to cross the border?
No, residents who live within the border bubble no longer need a permit to cross into Wodonga. Likewise, Wodonga residents do not need a permit to enter Albury.
Residents must however stay within the border bubble.
I live in Wodonga, can I go to Albury for lunch or shopping?
Yes, North East residents living inside the border bubble can now cross the border for 'daily life' which includes work, shopping and going out to eat.
I live in Albury, can I go to Wodonga for lunch or shopping?
Yes, Albury residents living inside the border bubble can now cross the border for 'daily life' which includes work, shopping and going out to eat.
IN OTHER NEWS:
I live in the border bubble but have travelled outside the region recently, can I still cross the border without a permit?
If you have been outside the border bubble within 14 days, even if you live within the border zone, you are not allowed to cross the border without a permit.
Everywhere in NSW beyond the border bubble is classed as an extreme risk zone.
This means if you live in Albury but have travelled to Wagga within the last 14 days, you are not allowed to cross into Wodonga without a permit.
Residents can apply for a Cross Border Community - Extreme Risk Zone Permit if they have left the border bubble into NSW, but specific requirements apply.
Where do I need to wear a mask?
In NSW, residents must wear face masks when they're indoors outside the home and in certain outdoor areas.
NSW residents, without an exemption, must wear a mask when working indoors, at retail premises, at a gym class or group activity with five or more people, and during some outdoor events.
You do not need to wear a mask while eating or drinking at a hospitality venue.
In Victoria, anyone over 12 must wear a face mask when they leave their home, unless they have a lawful exemption. This applied to retail settings.
Victorian residents do not need to wear a mask during strenuous exercise.
Masks must be worn in office settings but can be removed when eating and drinking at a venue or in public.
Victorians cannot remove their face masks to consume alcohol in public.
Do I live in the border bubble?
To return to Victoria without a permit border residents must stay within the area classified as the border zone by the Victorian government.
This includes the following local government areas:
Victoria
- Alpine Shire Council*
- City of Wodonga
- Rural City of Horsham
- Rural City of Mildura
- Rural City of Swan Hill
- Rural City of Wangaratta
- Shire of Campaspe
- Shire of East Gippsland
- Shire of Gannawarra
- Shire of Glenelg
- Shire of Hindmarsh
- Shire of Indigo
- Shire of Moira
- Shire of Southern Grampians
- Shire of Towong
- Shire of West Wimmera
* Includes residents of two unincorporated areas - Mount Hotham Alpine Resort and Falls Creek Alpine Resort.
New South Wales
- Balranald Shire
- Bega Valley Shire
- Berrigan Shire
- City of Albury
- Edward River Council*
- Federation Council
- Greater Hume Shire
- Murray River Council
- Snowy Monaro Regional Council
- Snowy Valleys Council
- Wentworth Shire
*Edward River Council was added to the cross-border community at 11:59pm 19 September 2021.
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