Health by Rohan Smith, Jessica Wang and Sam Clench 31st Dec 2020 6:18 AM | Updated: 10:57 AM Australia s celebrated coronavirus record is now unravelling with 10 new cases in NSW and six in Victoria. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian today confirmed five cases have been linked to the Avalon cluster with an additional three cases linked to the Croydon cluster. Another was linked to a transport worker cluster and another is under investigation. Meanwhile, Victoria has recorded six new cases, with the state returning to harsh restrictions within hours in a bid to stop the spread. Authorities across both states have pleaded with the public to avoid New Year s celebrations this evening amid fears it could lead to superspreader events, and have urged the public to take the current threat seriously and to follow public health advice.
Western Australia has shut its border to Victorians from 12.01am on Friday after the state recorded eight new coronavirus cases.
WA residents will be allowed to return home but must go into self-isolation for 14 days and take a test on day 11.
These rules will apply to arrivals from Victoria who landed on or after 21 December.
They must immediately quarantine at home until 14 days after they landed.
Acting Premier Roger Cook admitted the timing is terrible as hundreds are forced to miss New Year celebrations.
There are now eight active locally acquired cases in Victoria, breaking a 61 day streak of no community infections. Pictured: Testing on New Year s Eve at Dandenong
How many mates can you have over for NYE parties now?
As of 5pm tonight, you can only have 15 people over to your house. The previous limit was 30 people.
Unfortunately that means that if you had party plans for 30 people, you’re going to have to play favourites or can the whole thing altogether.
30 of you hold invites to my nye party, and i hold only 15 photos #COVID19Vicpic.twitter.com/KvNWZmuaQT
How many people can gather in public?
In line with the COVIDsafe summer restrictions, you can have up to 100 people meeting outdoors in a public place. The NYE restrictions only apply to homes at this stage.