The ever changing face of Covid-19 restrictions is likely to inconvenience Upper Murray travellers with the NSW-Victoria border entry rules becoming stricter from midnight tomorrow (Tuesday, July 21).
All currently issued permits and any issued between now and the commencement of the border zone will expire at midnight on Tuesday.
People will have to re-apply for a new permit to enter NSW from Victoria if they remain eligible to do so.
Border zone residents with a permit will only be able to cross into the other side of the border zone to go to work or attend an education institution if they can’t work or learn from home; to obtain medical care or supplies; or to attend health services.
Member for Benambra, Bill Tilley, said a 2km border zone will be implemented from Tuesday.
“We’ll know more this afternoon but at this stage the definition of border community is 2km either side of the Murray River.
“Teachers and students beyond that boundary attending or working Victorian schools will be able to seek an exemption.
“These permits are for the express use only for health, education and employment - so no shopping and general living,” Mr Tilley warned. 
Ministerial exemptions can be sought for Critical Service Permits for the freight, manufacturing, construction and agriculture sectors.
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said “Essentially, unless you’re travelling across the border for education, health or employment, you shouldn’t be going.
“The daily matters where people were able to cross back and forth will no longer be possible - you can’t just pop across to do your shopping, it has to be now for the three designated reasons.”All NSW residents are also strongly urged not to travel to Victoria as they will need to self-isolate upon return for 14 days.