Two men have been arrested for allegedly trying to sneak into South Australia from Victoria.
South Australia has been closed off to the rest of Australia for months as it tried to limit the spread of the coronavirus. It recently reopened the border with Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Tasmania and Queensland.
It was due to open up to Victoria later this month, however the state's recent spike in Covid-19 cases has meant that date has been pushed back.
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As a result, people who wanted to nip across to South Australia from Victoria have had to wait. However, some have allegedly tried to push their luck.
Limestone Coast Police detected two blokes trying to get into the state in the dead of night.
Police released a statement, saying: "Police will allege the pair had attempted to cross into South Australia in a Volkswagen van and were stopped at the checkpoint on the Dukes Highway at Bordertown at around 4am yesterday.
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"Both occupants had failed to complete the online application and were deemed to be non-essential travellers. They were advised if they wished to enter South Australia they would need to self-isolate for a period of 14 days. Police will allege the pair opted to return to Victoria."
Police say they found the same van on a dirt road 12 hours later and the driver had managed to bog the vehicle in mud.
The police statement continued: "Police will allege the pair had briefly returned to Victoria before re-entering South Australia bypassing the border checkpoint and travelling along back roads towards Bordertown.
"A 23-year-old from Tarneit and an 18-year-old male from Dolahey in Victoria were both issued with a $1,060 on the spot fine for failing to comply with a direction under the Emergency Management Act 2004. They were given the option again to self-isolate for 14 days or return to Victoria. They wisely chose the latter option and were escorted back over the border.
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"South Australian Police continue to actively patrol cross border roads from Victoria and anyone detected entering South Australia illegally will face penalties."
It's worse news for Victorians today (July 6) after the New South Wales government decided to close its border until further notice.
People wanting to travel north will have to have a permit, which will only be given if they have a valid, essential reason for crossing the border.
Featured Image Credit: South Australia Police