Thousands of Victorians are stuck in New South Wales after missing the border crossing deadline.
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) COVID-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar says the border needed to close due to concerns about coronavirus cases crossing into Victoria.
"I understand how complex and distressing it will be for some people to be caught on the wrong side of the border," he said.
So what happens next if you're stuck on the wrong side and want to come home?
I'm in NSW and want to cross the border to get home. What should I do?
The time for quick dashes across the border is over.
Victoria's DHHS website is advising people to stay where they are and to self-isolate where possible.
Mr Weimar today warned people not to start the journey to the border unless they had been given an exemption to make the crossing.
"Do not come to the border. Do not get on a plane and come to the airport because you will be turned back and you won't be able to apply for an exemption at the border or at the airport," he says.
Mr Weimar says people in NSW with "important personal or special needs" can apply for an exemption.
"We are keen to support people who have genuine need to come back into the state at this time."
Every exemption will be reviewed by the Chief Health Officer or their delegate and it may take 24-48 hours before you hear back.
Approved applicants will be given instructions including which of the four designated checkpoints they are expected to re-enter the state through.
Other conditions include travelling directly to Victoria, wearing a face mask, isolating on arrival and getting a COVID-19 test.
"Additional restrictions may be applied by the Chief Health Officer depending on your circumstances," the DHHS rules state.
The exemption process is listed on the DHHS website.
Can't I just cross the border and go into hotel quarantine?
No, you can't.
It might have sounded like an option early on when the border closure was announced but you now need to go through the exemption process to go into hotel quarantine.
Health Minister Martin Foley says there are 11 quarantine hotels for people returning from overseas.
"We did not design the hotel quarantine system to enable people who went on holiday in NSW to come back a bit later," he said.
But if you do manage to get into hotel quarantine, you likely won't have to pay for it.
Last month, Premier Daniel Andrews said he could not make interstate travellers pay for hotel quarantine under current arrangements.
However, overseas travellers are still paying $3,000 per adult.
What if I'm a Victorian in another state wanting to get home?
There are transit permits available for people moving from other jurisdictions like Queensland or the ACT.
According to the DHHS rules on Saturday afternoon, commercial freight workers and people temporarily travelling through NSW from another state or territory can apply online for a permit to enter Victoria.
Each adult needs their own permit.
People are being advised to only stop during the return journey "when absolutely necessary", to wear a mask and maintain good hand hygiene.
The DHHS rules also warn people to check for any changes between when their permit is issued and travelling because any changes will mean the permit is no longer valid and people will need to re-apply for one.
More information is expected to be released.
I live in a border community. Can I cross the border?
Border community bubbles on either side of the Murray River will continue.
If you have not left the border area in the last 14 days you can cross the river by carrying a valid form of ID with your current address.
"They can travel freely across the border to ensure we protect the vital economic work, living, education and medical linkages that we have in place and there are exemptions for essential workers, medical staff and so on in place," Mr Weimar says.
Are there any reasons allowed to cross the border without a permit?
You are allowed to cross the border without a permit if you are seeking emergency support due to family violence, but only as long as you have not been in any hot zone locations.
What happens if I cross without a permit?
Breaching the border without a permit carries the possibility of fines.
The DHHS website says the fines can be in excess of $1,652 and that there are police patrols throughout the state checking permits.