22 Apr 2022 | 01:40 PM UTC
Australia: South Australia to lift quarantine requirements for close contacts from 00:01 April 30 /update 17
South Australia to ease quarantine requirements for close contacts from April 30. Business and travel restrictions to continue.
Event
South Australian officials announced that they will lift self-quarantine requirements for close contacts from 00:01 April 30. Authorities will require close contacts to take five rapid antigen tests (RATs) over seven days from exposure, wear facemasks in public, and notify employers and any educational institutions with whom they have contact of their close contact status. Officials will also prohibit them from entering high-risk locations. Officials have adjusted the definition of close contact to include people who have spent four hours indoors with a confirmed case without distancing or facemasks.
Local Measures
South Australian authorities continue to enforce Level-1 restrictions. Authorities have lifted capacity limits for businesses and conditions on home gatherings. Officials no longer require individuals to do COVID-Safe Check-Ins for most establishments. The government has lifted most facemask requirements, though people must still wear facemasks on public transport and at medical facilities. High-risk businesses, such as hospitals, must have QR codes for contact tracing efforts. Officials encourage patrons to check into establishments using the mySA GOV mobile application.
Authorities require COVID-19 cases to self-quarantine. COVID-19 cases must self-quarantine for seven days from exposure and undergo testing upon notification and on day six of quarantine. 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 essential sectors, including airline staff, can return to work after receiving a negative PCR test result. However, officials 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 in 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.
