A very COVID Christmas — Everything you need to know about SA’s coronavirus restrictions as we head into the silly season

Having trouble navigating SA’s COVID restrictions as we head into the silly season? Here’s everything you need to know.

It’s beginning to look a *bit* like Christmas.

Without a doubt, COVID-19 will change the way we experience the festive season this year.

But despite the considerable challenges we’ve faced due to lockdown and a rolling parade of restrictions, every effort is being made to keep the spirit of Christmas alive and ensure we’re all able to enjoy the silly season that feels as normal as possible in these times.

The state government will on Tuesday ease a string of restrictions and at midnight on Monday, the border between SA and Victoria will finally open for the first time since March.

But that doesn’t mean we’ll be back to business as usual on Christmas Day.

For example, there’s still no stand up drinking indoors and a bevy upstanding outdoors is only permitted when two square meters apart.

Ian Horne from the Australian Hotel Association says pubs will be running at 25 per cent capacity and will still need to honour pre-Christmas bookings, so finding a venue may be more difficult this year.

When the year 2020 was full of COVID and social distancing, the Santa photo at Westfield Marion had to be a creative one for the Forde family, of Warradale - Mitchell, 9, Cameron, 6, and Chelsea, 4.

Venues without contactless QR technology capabilities will be forced to operate under stricter restrictions which include a one person per four square metre capacity indoors and outdoors and a cap of 100 people.

CEO of Business SA Martin Haese says the current restrictions “could be double whammy for businesses”.

“Not only will venues lose all-important Christmas bookings, businesses may have to cancel end of year Christmas events impacting on staff morale after an already difficult year,” he says.

“We are hopeful Christmas parties can still occur and are urging the Government to review its restrictions daily with a view to easing them earlier than 14 December if good health numbers continue.”

Here are some answers to some of the other burning questions you’re sure to have between now and December 25.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CHRISTMAS IN SA THIS YEAR

Do I have to wear a mask to go Christmas shopping?

Masks are not mandatory in SA, however health advice is to wear one if you cannot safely socially distance (1.5m apart) in public places, such as on public transport.

Will there still be Father Christmas at various department stores and shopping malls for photos?

Yes but you must book online first. Children will be seated or standing 1.5m apart from Santa. There may be a maximum of six family members per booking.

Can my child sit on Father Christmas’ knee?

No – there will be stringent social distancing measures, so no physical contact with Santa or his elves.

Can the office Christmas party go ahead?

Big office parties of up to 150 people in a licensed venue are okay. While stand-up drinking is allowed, dancing is not and maybe cancel the karaoke machine and photo booth this year to keep safe social distancing! And make sure all staff have the state government app for QR reading before they enter a venue.

Can I serve or bring a shared platter to Christmas functions?

There is no restriction on shared eating. Provision of hand sanitiser on the serving table might help reduce risk.

Can I share a frothy at the bar with my mates or sip a whiskey while gaming at the Casino?

No – stand up drinking is not allowed indoors.

Can I eat out Christmas lunch at a pub or restaurant?

Yes – as long as you adhered to all the restrictions, such as no more than a booking of 10 in a group and no stand up drinking inside. But the industry says restrictions have reduced capacity so finding a place might be harder this year so make sure you book.

If I don’t have the mySAGOV QR code coronavirus contact tracing app or a mobile phone, will I be refused entry into a licensed venues?

No – the venue will have a paper record as a back up if customers don’t have a mobile phone or the app.

I have a big family and we always share Christmas lunch or dinner at home. Can we still do this?

The 10 person per household limit remains at this stage. So maybe share multiple Christmas catch-ups over days leading up to Christmas with a 10 person cap.

Can I visit my elderly relative – it’s a Christmas tradition?

Yes you can, as long as there are less than 10 people visiting at their home at the same time. Wearing a face mask as a precaution is a good idea. If they are in a nursing home, check with staff first.

Do I need to leave hand sanitiser out with cookies on Christmas Eve?

Would be a good way to show the kids that Father Christmas is practising COVID safety and is on his way to reinforce some things to not change – the Christmas tradition will not be cancelled.

Can I carol sing in a choir?

Unless you can sing through a mask – probably not.

Can I go to a place of worship on Christmas?

Current restrictions mean church services are limited to 150 people

Can I visit outdoor Christmas lights?

It’s probably best to drive past in the car and view form a distance; or wear a face mask if you can’t social distance safely. Find more tips for staying COVID-safe when viewing Christmas lights this year at The Advertiser’s 2020 SA Christmas lights map.

If I visit a relative in Victoria for Christmas will I need to quarantine there and/or on my return?

No