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Australia Lifts COVID-19 Border Closures Between Two States

Phil Mercer

   SYDNEY - The border between Australia's most populous stateshas finally
   been reopened after almost five months ofCOVID-19 restrictions.
   Victoria has managed to contain a deadly second wave of infections, and
   unfettered travel into neighboring New South Wales is now permitted.

   There were celebrations as the border between Australia's most populous
   states re-opened.For more than 135 days,families have been separated
   and businesses disrupted.

   Cars lined up overnight as New South Wales ended the travel
   restrictions imposed onits southernneighbor Victoria, which has managed
   to contain a deadly second wave of coronavirus cases that led to one of
   the world's longest lockdowns in the city of Melbourne.

   Authorities said Monday the southern state hadgone 24 consecutive days
   without a confirmed infection, and it recorded just one known active
   COVID-19 case.Residents are no longer compelled to wear a mask
   outdoors,and larger gatherings are now permitted. Cafes and restaurants
   can now accommodate more patrons.

   New South Wales has become the first jurisdiction in Australia to open
   to all states and territories. Travel restrictions remain in place
   elsewhere. Residents of Sydney are still banned from entering the state
   of Queenslandtothenorth.

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