Coronavirus: Less fear of COVID-19 among us, according to internal SA Health research
A new survey suggests South Australians are confident coronavirus has been banished from the state but officials aren’t sharing that confidence on the Victorian border. Yesterday, SA Health announced three more infectious expatriates – bringing SA’s virus tally to 482.
Coronavirus
Don't miss out on the headlines from Coronavirus. Followed categories will be added to My News.
South Australians believe coronavirus has been banished in our state or is almost eradicated, according to the results of an official new survey.
Internal SA Health research obtained by the Sunday Mail shows more than three quarters of respondents believe the virus has been eliminated, or “nearly gone”, while second wave fears have halved.
But as the state recorded more COVID-19 traveller cases on Saturday, the study – which health authorities use to guide public campaigns – shows concern, while reduced, “remains high”.
“People are more confident about where COVID-19 is at in SA. But that hasn’t made them complacent,” it concluded.
Last week’s study of 421 people, by research firm Haymakr, revealed the community’s biggest virus concern was from interstate travellers.
And while two thirds agreed restriction levels were “about right”, more people believed hospitality crackdowns were “too strict” than not tough enough.
Industry leaders have called for an easing of hospitality bans this week, including on standing up drinking alcohol to return inside licensed venues and for nightclub patrons to be able to dance and drink.
Dancing and drinking at private functions of up to 150 people is allowed.
The Transition Committee meets on Tuesday, at which time public activity bans will be debated.
But chief public health officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said “high-risk activities like traditional nightclubs continue to pose a significant risk”.
She revealed special management plans for operators of outdoor events, such as controlled music festivals, would be assessed ahead of summer.
“Many businesses have changed their way of working to both protect the community and provide social and economic benefits for our state,” she told the Sunday Mail.
“We will continue to work with businesses to look at ways of implementing safe activities and entertainment, particularly as we move into the summer months and can make the most of our wonderful South Australian weather.”
Prof Spurrier, who sits on the committee with others including state COVID co-ordinator Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, said while authorities may stop the virus circulating through the state, “we cannot eliminate the risk of (its) reintroduction”.
Urging ill people to get tested – checks have hit 513,962 – she praised the community’s “overwhelmingly … great job” reducing the risk.
“I know how difficult the pandemic and all the restrictions have been for everyone,” she said. “But I am pleased people have confidence … they are not complacent and the majority of the community believe that doing the right thing remains important.”
Australian Hotels Association SA boss Ian Horne called for more hospitality “concessions” amid mounting operator “desperation”.
SA Health on Saturday announced three more infectious expatriates – the second time this week – bringing the state’s virus tally to 482.
A man and woman, in their 30s, recorded positive first-day tests in hotel quarantine and were among six active cases. A woman, in her 50s, had an “old infection”.
All were recovering on Saturday night in the Pullman Hotel, Hindmarsh Square.
Kybosh put on regional Vic travel
South Australian coronavirus officials have poured cold water on the Victoria Premier’s claims regional Victorians were “very close” to being allowed to travel into SA.
Revealing just one Victoria COVID-19 case, for the lowest daily tally since June 8, Daniel Andrews on Saturday flagged country travel plans would soon be formally approved. And on Sunday, Victoria recorded just two new cases of coronavirus overnight and no deaths
“I think we’re very close to having a situation where regional Victorians will be able to travel into New South Wales and … South Australia,” he said.
“Those arrangements are for other premiers to announce. But I think we’re getting closer to that.”
But his statement surprised local authorities, who downplayed any changes soon.
The hard Victorian border crackdown, introduced on July 8, bans all but limited, essential travel, including by SA residents. Police figures show the number of Victorian border crossings rose from 7761 a fortnight ago to 8642 last week.
A State Government spokeswoman on Saturday night said a “border opening with Victoria is currently not imminent”.
SA Health is closely analysing data on Victorian cases.
“We have said from the beginning of this pandemic, we do not want to keep our borders closed for a day longer than we have to,” she said.
“The Transition Committee constantly monitors the situation. However, given we are unable to control any travel between Melbourne and regional Victoria, it is not easy to simply open up to one and not the other.”
Victorian authorities were are scrambling to contact 17 Kiwis who wrongly travelled to Melbourne from Sydney under the new travel bubble with New Zealand.
Chief public health officer Professor Nicola Spurrier is also closely monitoring escalating coronavirus outbreaks in New South Wales amid concerns about its effects on travel and the state’s open border.