11 Dec 2020 | 05:55 AM UTC
Australia: South Australia plans to ease COVID-19 restrictions further from Dec. 14 /update 13
Authorities in South Australia to ease restrictions from Dec. 14 amid reduced COVID-19 activity. Facemasks still required in some locations.
Event
South Australia will further ease restrictions from Dec. 14 amid reduced coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. The government will allow up to 50 people at home gatherings and raise capacity at private events to 200 people. Officials will continue to mandate facemasks at high-risk public areas, such as medical centers and aged care homes, but will end the requirement in most other public locations. Personal service workers must continue to wear facemasks when working. Health staffers continue to encourage people to wear facemasks when physical distancing is impossible.
Authorities will end work-from-home regulations from Dec. 14. Businesses must conduct contact tracing, with few exceptions. The government has provided companies with a quick response (QR) code for electronic contact tracing, and retail outlets must use QR codes from Dec. 14. Officials are also encouraging patrons to use the mySA GOV mobile application to check-in to establishments.
The government will increase the capacity at seated events, such as cinemas and theaters, to 75 percent, though patrons must wear facemasks. Officials previously reduced the density cap at hospitality establishments to one person per two square meters (21 square feet). Authorities will permit food and beverage consumption while standing inside and in outdoor areas. Indoor gyms, recreation centers, and personal services are operating, and officials will allow such venues to follow the two-square-meter rule.
Domestic Border Controls
South Australia allows passengers from all Australian states and territories to enter without quarantine. However, all travelers must still complete a Cross Border Travel Registration before arrival.
Quarantine Requirements
Authorities require all international arrivals to undergo a 14-day quarantine and receive COVID-19 tests within 24 hours of arrival and on the twelfth day of quarantine. Travelers from New Zealand are exempt from the requirement. South Australia charges all required travelers, including Australian citizens and permanent residents, for quarantine, payable after completion. Quarantine fees are AUD 3,000 (USD 2,270) for the first adult and AUD 1,000 (USD 756) for each additional adult or AUD 500 (USD 378) for children, except those under three years old. People who purchased tickets before 1200 ACST July 13 are exempt from payment.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by government health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider deferring nonessential travel to South Australia until restrictions ease. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Plan for transport disruptions and delivery delays at designated hotspot areas. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.
