Not Unprecedented

In the NSW State Archives summary of the “Spanish” Flu of 1919, the first government proclamation closed libraries, schools, churches, theatres, public halls and indoor places of entertainment. Two days later on 30 January, three proclamations were issued:

1. Mandatory wearing of masks to cover nose and mouth.
2. Public gatherings prohibited.
3. No crossing the border from Victoria to NSW.

Twenty pounds imposed for breaches was a hefty fine in the money values of 1919. Today’s border closures were therefore not unprecedented as access from Victoria to NSW was denied.