Statement From Victorian Government

In response to the coronavirus outbreak in South Australia, the Victorian Government is taking decisive action to protect the incredible achievement of Victorians in delivering zero cases for 20 days and will implement temporary border controls from tonight.

Fragments of the virus that causes coronavirus were detected in untreated wastewater taken from Portland and Benalla wastewater treatment plants on Tuesday 17 November.

The preliminary positive test results received yesterday are unexpected and concerning given there are no residents of either area known to have had a recent coronavirus illness or diagnosis.

Residents of Portland and Benalla and anyone who has visited between 15 and 17 November with any symptoms at all are urged to get tested, and to isolate until they get their result.

Hours will be extended at local testing sites for the coming days, with additional testing capacity to be made available.

Further wastewater samples are being taken from those two towns, and this detection has no impact on local water supplies.

“We’re asking all locals and visitors in Portland and Benalla with any symptoms at all to please come forward and get tested today.” said Minister for Health Martin Foley

“We’ll work with these communities to ensure they have access to the things they need, as we provide further details on border crossings in the coming days.”

With community transmission clearly happening in South Australia and in light of the wastewater test results along freight routes in Victoria, the Government is following public health advice and has made the difficult decision to introduce temporary border controls with South Australia.

From 11:59pm Thursday 19 November, a ‘hard border’ will be in place for 48 hours before a permit system comes into effect from 11:59pm Saturday 21 November.

Under the hard border, only freight drivers and those with medical or emergency reasons, urgent animal welfare or as authorised by law will be able to pass through the border.