Grant Stevens threatens harsher restrictions as anger grows over quarantine plans

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has threatened harsher restrictions across the state if QR check-in numbers drop when borders reopen.

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has warned South Australians of harsher restrictions should QR code check-in numbers fall as we open borders and Covid cases increase.

“It will depend on people’s behaviour, checking into businesses, monitoring symptoms and supporting SA Health,” Mr Stevens, who authorises directions as state co-ordinator, said on Wednesday.

“The consequence of not keeping on top of Covid once it comes into South Australia is that we may see more widespread restrictions in place so we can maintain that control.”

SA Health believes there is a potential for more than 3000 positive cases once the borders reopen but Mr Stevens it was in the hands of the community to influence how we manage the introduction of Covid-19 in the country.

South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens. Picture NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

“It’s not possible to put a specific timeframe on when we will see a positive case in the community and how quickly that will spread,” he said.

“It will depend on people’s behaviour, checking into businesses, monitoring symptoms and supporting SA Health.

“It is in the hands of our community as to whether we do reach this 80 per cent vaccination rate by that date.

“I strongly encourage all to continue to check in and for businesses to inquire as to whether they have checked in.”

It comes after South Australians responded in anger to the state government’s plan to send fully vaccinated people exposed to Covid cases into quarantine when borders reopen.

Premier Steven Marshall this week announced rules for people coming into contact with positive cases on Monday, which sparked widespread confusion across the state.

People checking in as they enter the Wayville vaccination hub. Picture: NCA NewsWire /Brenton Edwards

The announcement revealed people would need to analyse almost 30 scenarios to determine whether they needed to isolate after their potential exposure to Covid.

An influx of cases are expected to hit SA when borders reopen to the country on November 23.

Fully vaccinated close contacts of positive cases still need to undertake seven days quarantine under the plan.

People took to social media in outrage after the announcement, saying they would not bother checking in with QR codes to avoid potential quarantine requirements.

“If you’re going to make people who have done the right thing by getting vaccinated isolate, then I’m sure as hell not going to QR code in anymore,” a woman wrote.

“Guess I won’t be telling anyone when I get a sniffle or using anymore QR codes,” a man named Scott wrote.

Premier Steven Marshall said the alternative was longer quarantine periods for more people. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Brenton Edwards

One woman questioned whether opening the borders was necessary if such strict measures would be enforced.

“It feels like we’re copping the spiky end of a pineapple,” she said.

“I’m going to be worse off in a week’s time, and I’m vaccinated. Just so people can go interstate freely.”

Premier Steven Marshall told FIVEaa on Tuesday morning he wasn’t concerned with people threatening not to QR code check-in from November 23.

“The biggest threat to business in this state over the past 19 months was the fear of a state lockdown … so as of next Tuesday, the threat of a statewide lockdown is removed, so is statewide lockout,” Mr Marshall said.

“What we’ve got is a methodology which is based on the risk and that’s what we’re implementing. We had exactly the same (negative) calls to the media when we said we were going to introduce QR code, people catastrophise.”

Police commissioner Grant Stevens said officers would be making random border and isolation checks. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Mr Marshall said the alternative to varied quarantine times for people exposed to a positive case was everyone undergoing 14 days quarantine.

“I know this is an anxious time for people, but the alternative, staying locked up in a bubble is also not acceptable,” he said.

He said anyone who visited a site with a positive case would be contacted by SA Health.

“They’ll answer a few simple questions, and in most instances people will be asked to monitor their symptoms, or, maybe go off and get a test,” Mr Marshall said.

Mr Stevens earlier said police would make random border and isolation checks.

“I’m still seeing high levels of (QR code check-in) compliance,” he said.

“But if we do see a shift in that … we may take steps to remind people of their obligations.”

HOW SA COMPARES WITH THE REST OF THE COUNTRY

SOUTH AUSTRALIA (when borders open on November 23)
Active cases as of November 29: 7
Face masks required in indoor public settings.
Home gatherings capped at 30 people and private activities capped at 150 people. 
Public indoor venues capped at 3 people per 4sq m, no dancing or stand-up drinking.

VICTORIA
Active cases as of November 29: 11,331
Face masks are required indoors including on public transport, and in schools. 
QR code check-ins are required. 
Evidence of being fully vaccinated will need to be carried to enter the majority of venues including cafes, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. 

No limits to home gatherings, and no limits to private events if everyone is vaccinated.

NEW SOUTH WALES
Active cases as of November 29: 2703
All people over the age of 12 must wear a face mask in indoor spaces. 
If all members of the household aged 16 and over are fully vaccinated, there is no limit to the number of fully vaccinated visitors to your home. 
If you are fully vaccinated you can visit a hospitality venue, but you must carry vaccination evidence. 
Stand-up consumption and dancing is permitted. Weddings and funerals have density limits of one person per 2sq m. 

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Active cases as of November 29: 3
There are no restrictions for venues and events, meaning private gatherings, concerts, sporting games and weddings can go ahead at full capacity. 
Masks are not required to be worn, except at the airport or on aircraft

NORTHERN TERRITORY
Active cases November 29: 53

The Lajamanu community and the surrounding homelands is in a lockdown which will continue until 6pm on 11 December 2021.

From 12pm, Saturday 27 November 2021, the Municipality of Katherine including Rockhole transitioned from a lockdown to a lockout until midday on Tuesday 7 December. Robinson River, including surrounding homelands is in a lockout, this will remain in place until Wednesday, 1 December.Binjari is in hard lockdown. Fully vaccinated people in other areas are able to live normally but must wear a mask outside their residence.

QUEENSLAND
Active cases November 29: 6
In circumstances where social distancing is not possible, masks are required. 
There is no limit on gatherings in public outdoors spaces, and home gatherings are capped at 100 people. 
Indoor venues will operate at one per 2sq m. 
Dancing is allowed. 

TASMANIA
Active cases November 29: 1
Masks are required when physical distancing isn’t possible. 
Stand-up consumption and dancing is required with current density requirements of one per 2sq m. 
Home gatherings are capped at 100 people. 

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Active cases November 29: 162
Face masks are required indoors and in high-risk settings such as hospitals and public transport. 
There is no limit on the number of visitors to a home, or the number of people permitted at informal outdoor gatherings. 
Current indoor density limits are at one per 2sq m. 
No density limits apply to outdoor spaces. 
Dancing and stand-up consumption is permitted.