The border between Victoria and New South Wales reopened at midnight after 138 miserable days, meaning residents of both states can now go back to disliking their neighbours without feeling too bad about it.
Folks can now cross the border, which was officially closed on July 8 as NSW authorities hoped to contain Melbourne’s COVID-19 outbreak within Victoria, without special permits or mandatory quarantine periods.
The Today Show reports a DJ was present at the Albury-Wodonga border overnight to boost the mood. Footage shows would-be travellers being bombarded with that piña coladas song.
The New South Wales border in Albury has marked the reopening with some music. #9Today pic.twitter.com/ADvInXLUf9
— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) November 22, 2020
It’s not only the ground border that has reopened, either, as passenger flights between Melbourne and Sydney resumed this morning.
Flights from Melbourne to Sydney resume this morning. #9Today pic.twitter.com/A3PVtsaTXC
— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) November 22, 2020
The border was reopened due to the minimal rates of community transmissions present in each state.
As noted by the ABC, NSW has gone 15 days without recording a case of community transmission, while Victoria – which appears to have overcome the viral spike which led to the border closure – has gone 23 days.
Fair effort.
Beyond reestablishing crucial personal and economic ties between the states, the border opening means residents can resume shit-talking without lingering guilt over each state’s viral burden.
For Victorians, it means Sydney’s soulless CBD and rampant careerism are again valid targets. NSW folks can resume their hatred of Melbourne’s subpar beaches, cultural elitism, and obsession with not being Sydney. Just as nature intended.
