Australia: South Australia continuing to enforce COVID-19 measures as of Oct. 22 /update 6

Event

South Australia authorities continue to enforce Level-1 restrictions as of Oct. 22 due to reduced COVID-19 concerns. Attendance at home gatherings is capped at 20 people and limited to 150 people at non-residential private gatherings. Officials limit public gatherings to 50 people. Facemasks are mandatory for healthcare facilities, personal services (unless receiving treatment), passenger transport, and indoor public events, with exceptions. Most businesses can operate at 75-percent capacity; however, non-seated events and fitness facilities can only occur at 50- and 25-percent capacity, respectively. Food and drink establishments can only serve seated customers. Companies must continue to conduct contact tracing with few exceptions; the government has provided companies with QR codes for mandatory electronic contact tracing. Officials also encourage patrons to use the mySA GOV mobile application to check into establishments.

Domestic Border Controls
All entrants must complete a Cross Border Travel Registration at least seven days before entering the state. Authorities continue to ban travel from the Australian Capital Territory (ACT, New South Wales (NSW), and Victoria. Essential travelers, returning South Australia residents, individuals relocating to South Australia, and people fleeing domestic violence from these locations can apply for an exemption. Essential travelers more than 18 years old as well as commercial and freight workers arriving by road from the ACT, NSW, or Victoria must provide evidence of having received at least one vaccine dose to enter the state.

Quarantine and testing exceptions are in place for residents who live within 70 km (43 miles) of the South Australia-Victoria border and travel cross-border for essential reasons. Such travelers must have remained within the border zone for the past 14 days and not had contact with anyone who has recently been outside the area. All Victorian Cross Border members must provide evidence that they are at least partially vaccinated to enter South Australia.

Quarantine Requirements
Authorities require international arrivals to quarantine at a designated facility for 14 days and undergo multiple rounds of COVID-19 testing. South Australia charges all required travelers, including Australian citizens and permanent residents, quarantine fees, payable after completion. Quarantine fees are AUD 3,000 for the first adult and AUD 1,000 for each additional adult or AUD 500 for children over three years old.

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.

Resources

South Australia Government COVID-19 Information
Cross Border Travel Application