Australia: South Australia imposes COVID-19 testing requirements for arrivals from Greater Melbourne from Feb. 4 /update 23

Event

South Australia has imposed testing requirements on arrivals with recent travel history in Greater Melbourne in response to COVID-19 activity. Travelers who have been in Melbourne since Jan. 28 must undergo polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests on the day of their arrival in South Australia. Arrivals who have recently been in Melbourne must isolate after taking their first test until receiving a negative result, after which they no longer need to isolate. Authorities also require additional PCR tests on day five and twelve after entry. Individuals with recent travel history in Greater Melbourne who had already entered South Australia are also required to immediately undergo PCR tests and self-isolate. The South Australia state government may announce additional measures if caseloads in Victoria increase.

South Australia continues to implement gathering and some commercial restrictions as a precaution. Home gatherings remain capped at 50 people. Officials allow up to 200 people at private events but require a COVID-19-safe plan, a COVID-19 marshal to enforce regulations, a quick response (QR) code for the event, and a list of guests. Authorities limit private events to one person per two square meters (21.5 square feet). Seated events, such as cinemas and theaters, remain capped at 75 percent, and patrons must wear facemasks. Businesses must 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-in to establishments. The government continues to mandate facemasks at high-risk public areas, such as medical centers and aged care homes. Personal service providers must continue to wear facemasks when working.

Domestic Border Controls
South Australia allows passengers from most Australian states and territories to enter without quarantine. However, travelers from the Perth, Pell, and South West regions in Western Australia remain banned, except for essential travelers, people relocating, or residents. The government continues to require travelers from Greater Sydney, Wollongong, and the Central Coast in New South Wales to take a COVID-19 test on arrival and self-quarantine until receiving a negative result; follow-up testing must occur on days five and 12 after arrival. Officials intend to end testing requirements for travelers to Greater Sydney from 0001 Feb. 13. Everyone entering South Australia must complete the 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 must take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of arrival and self-quarantine until receiving a negative result but are exempt from other quarantine requirements. Officials require further testing on days five and 12 after entry. South Australia charges all required travelers, including Australian citizens and permanent residents, for quarantine, payable after completion. Quarantine fees are AUD 3,000 (USD 2,297) for the first adult and AUD 1,000 (USD 760) for each additional adult or AUD 500 (USD 380) for children, except those under three years old. People who purchased tickets before 1200 ACST July 13, 2020 are exempt from payment.

Resources

South Australia Government COVID-19 Information
Cross Border Travel Application