11 Mar 2022 | 06:07 AM UTC
Australia: South Australia to reduce COVID-19 restrictions statewide from March 12 /update 15
South Australia to ease COVID-19 measures from March 12. Business and travel restrictions to continue.
Event
South Australian officials will further reduce COVID-19 controls statewide from March 12. Authorities will end capacity limits for businesses and restrictions on home gatherings; singing and dancing can also resume at venues. Officials will no longer require a QR code check-in for public transport, education facilities, and property inspections and auctions. The government will also reduce the self-quarantine period for some COVID-19 cases from 10 to seven days. Health staff will contact affected patients directly to advise on quarantine arrangements.
Local Measures
South Australian authorities continue to enforce Level-1 restrictions. Workers must continue to wear facemasks indoors, and officials encourage employees to eat lunch outside. High-risk businesses, such as hospitality venues and hospitals, must have QR codes for contact tracing efforts. Officials encourage patrons to check into establishments using the mySA GOV mobile application. A facemask mandate remains in place for indoor public locations; high-risk settings, such as healthcare and personal services; and public transport.
Authorities continue contact tracing efforts and require COVID-19 cases and close contacts to self-quarantine. Designated close contacts must self-quarantine for seven days from exposure and undergo testing upon notification and on day 6 of quarantine. Household contacts that cannot quarantine away from the COVID-19 case must remain at home for 14 days. Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are available for free, and people must report positive test results to health professionals. Close contacts cannot enter high-risk settings for 14 days after exposure. Employees in 14 essential sectors can return to work after receiving a negative PCR test result. However, officials will permit employees to return to work while PCR test results are pending with a negative RAT test result.
Quarantine Requirements
South Australia permits quarantine-free entry for fully vaccinated international passengers allowed under the federal government's border regulations. Inbound fully vaccinated passengers must complete daily symptom checks for 14 days after entry using the HealthCheck SA application and cannot enter high-risk settings for seven days after arrival. Unvaccinated international arrivals must quarantine for 14 days at home or government-designated hotels, depending on accommodations. South Australia charges required travelers quarantine fees of AUD 3,000 for the first adult, AUD 1,000 for each additional adult, or AUD 500 for children over three years old for 14-days of quarantine. Fees are payable at the end of the quarantine period.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by government health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.
