Australia: South Australia to suspend entry for non-South Australian residents from New South Wales from 0001 Jan. 1 /update 15

Event

Officials in South Australia will ban entry for non-South Australia residents coming from New South Wales from 0001 Jan. 1 to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Exceptions are in place for people living within 100 km (62 miles) of the border. Additionally, essential travelers, which include healthcare workers and people seeking urgent medical treatment, may apply for exemptions. Returning South Australia residents must isolate at designated facilities for 14 days upon arrival. Anyone entering South Australia must complete the Cross Border Travel applications before traveling.

Internal controls in South Australia continue. The government allows up to 50 people at home gatherings and up to 200 people at private events. Officials continue to mandate facemasks at high-risk public areas, such as medical centers and aged care homes. Personal service workers must continue to wear facemasks when working. Health staffers continue to encourage people to wear facemasks when physical distancing is impossible.

Businesses must conduct contact tracing, with few exceptions. The government has provided companies with quick response (QR) codes for mandatory electronic contact tracing. Officials are also encouraging patrons to use the mySA GOV mobile application to check-in to establishments. The capacity at seated events, such as cinemas and theaters, remains at 75 percent, though patrons must wear facemasks. Authorities permit food and beverage consumption while standing inside and in outdoor areas.

Domestic Border Controls
South Australia allows passengers from Australian states and territories, with the exception of designated locations in New South Wales, to enter without quarantine. 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.

Resources

South Australia Government COVID-19 Information
Cross Border Travel Application