Q&A: How SA’s Covid restrictions, borders to change in roadmap to freedom

Can SA still go into lockdown? What happens if I test positive after November 23? When can I visit family? We’re answering your Covid roadmap questions. Got a question? Submit it here.

South Australia’s leaders have unveiled a Covid-ready roadmap to freedom.

Here’s how restrictions are going to change in the months ahead, and when borders are set to reopen so you can be reunited with loved ones.

When will SA’s borders reopen to the rest of the country?

Borders will open to fully vaccinated Australians on November 23, when 80 per cent of the population aged over 16 is expected to be fully vaccinated.

There are different rules for those entering the state from LGAs where community transmission is occurring:

■ If less than 80 per cent of the LGA is fully vaccinated, they will still have to complete a full 14 days of quarantine

■ If between 80-89 per cent of the LGA is fully vaccinated, they must have a single Covid test and quarantine until they receive a negative result

■ If 90 per cent of people are double vaccinated, they must do a daily symptom check and get tested if symptoms appear.

When 90 per cent of the state aged 12 and up are fully vaccinated, which is expected to occur before Christmas, borders will open to all fully vaccinated domestic travellers without any quarantine requirements.

When will borders open to people overseas?

Borders will open to overseas travellers on November 23.

Vaccinated arrivals will be required to quarantine for 7 days on arrival while unvaccinated arrivals will have to undertake 14 days of quarantine. Quarantine can be done at home for returning South Australians, but those visiting from elsewhere will need to quarantine in a medi-hotel. Details are still being finalised.

When 90 per cent of the state aged 12 and over are fully vaccinated, international travellers with both jabs will not have to quarantine on arrival.

When can non-Australian family / parents travel from overseas into Adelaide?

People can travel to SA from overseas from November 23. Vaccinated arrivals will be made to undertake seven days of quarantine in a medi-hotel, or at home for returning South Australians with a suitable place to stay, using the SA Government’s home quarantine app. Unvaccinated arrivals from overseas will be required to undertake 14 days of quarantine in a medi-hotel.

When will the 90 per cent double vaccination target be reached in SA?

The target requires 90 per cent of those aged 12 and up to be double vaccinated. Authorities do not have a set date, but expect the target will be reached before Christmas.

Can the unvaccinated still go Christmas shopping or will shops not allow it?

The Covid-19 vaccination is only mandatory for select members of the community, however individual businesses and venues may choose to mandate the vaccine for their patrons.

When can non Australian family / parents travel from overseas into Adelaide?

From 23 November, vaccinated international travellers can enter SA but will be required to undergo seven days quarantine.

When we reach 90 per cent of South Australians over the age of 12 fully vaccinated, borders will open for fully vaccinated domestic and international arrivals.

Once borders open, how will South Australians prove they are vaxxed when they re-enter the state?

Those travelling into South Australia will be required to provide their vaccination status through a new health portal.

When will home gathering numbers increase, and how many people will I be allowed to have at my home?

When borders open on November 23, private gatherings will rise from 20 to 30 people.

What about gatherings outside the home? When can I have as many people as I want at my wedding or private event?

Private activities will remain capped at 150 people at the 80 per cent double vaccination stage.

Capped numbers are expected to be removed when 90 per cent of the state are fully vaccinated, but Covid management plans will still be required for events of more than 1000 people.

Why do you have to sit down to have a drink when you don’t have to in other states? Why are they so harsh on pubs and clubs?

Drinking while standing, also known as “vertical consumption”, and dancing in nightclubs are among activities classified by SA authorities as “high risk” in terms of the potential transmission of the virus.

When can I dance and drink in public venues?

Current density requirements will remain when 80 per cent of the state aged 16 and over are fully vaccinated. High risk activities, like going to nightclubs and standing up to drink alcohol, will be only available to people who are fully vaccinated when 90 per cent of people aged 12 and up are fully vaccinated.

How much longer will I have to wear a mask?

Mask restrictions will remain in place in indoor public settings until 90 per cent of the state aged 12 and up has received two vaccination doses.

Masks will continue to be required in high risk settings like hospitals and aged care facilities even when 90 per cent of the state is fully vaccinated.

What happens if I get Covid from November 23?

Premier Steven Marshall said cases will have to test, trace, isolate and quarantine.

“If somebody does become infected they will have to isolate … and their close contacts will have to isolate too,” he said on Wednesday morning.

He said there would be a “different definition” of a close contact when borders open, but would not go into further detail about what that definition meant.

“We won’t be able to keep it out, but we certainly don’t want to accelerate it,” Mr Marshall says.

Do I still have to do a QR check-in?

Yes, QR check-ins are here to stay for now. Contact tracing efforts will still take place to minimise large outbreaks in SA.

Will restrictions remain for unvaccinated children under 12?

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said on Wednesday morning unvaccinated children under 12 will be treated as they are vaccinated.

“Clearly we can’t discriminate against people who aren’t eligible for the vaccinations so they’ll be treated as though they’re not a problem,” he said.

What percentage of South Australians have to be vaccinated for restrictions to ease completely?

When 90 per cent of South Australians aged 12 and up are fully vaccinated, most restrictions will ease. This is likely to be in mid to late December.

What about South Australians stuck interstate waiting for an exemption to come home?

SA Health are in the process of “fast tracking” exemptions, and Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said he expected to see “substantial movement” in the backlog of exemptions this week.

Once borders open, how will South Australians prove they are vaccinated to re-enter the state?

SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said an app, which would verify someone is fully vaccinated, was currently in development and was expected to be ready by November 23.

“The Department of Premier and Cabinet’s IT section are working furiously to develop the app that will make it easy for people to download that verification that they’re double vaccinated, and have it readily available on their phone,” Mr Stevens said.

What does it mean for those unvaccinated? Are they going to be stuck at home?

Those who are not yet vaccinated, or who are choosing not to be vaccinated, will be restricted from some activities, for example being able to travel freely without the need to quarantine and from being able to visit businesses and major events where full vaccination is a requirement of entry. If you’re an employer or employee, you can learn more about your rights regarding vaccination in SA here.

How many people can you have in restaurants?

Density levels will remain at three people per 4 sqm if seated until 90 per cent of people aged 12 and up are fully vaccinated.

Will the Adelaide Test at Adelaide Oval be played in front of a full house?

State Co-ordinator Grant Stevens said Adelaide Oval could “quite possibly” host a full house for the day-night Test match, scheduled for December 16. “It really depends how quickly we surge past that 80% vaccination mark,” Mr Stevens said.

However a spokeswoman for SA Health said it was too early to tell.

“As with other events it will be a case of discussions between SA Health and the Stadium Management Authority, it’s yet to be determined.”

Schoolies will take place before November 23. What restrictions will be in place?

Specific restrictions for Schoolies remain unclear given that it occurs a week before borders are due to open. Any large event will have to be subject to a Covid management plan.

State Co-ordinator Grant Stevens said that due to the timing of Schoolies there may be more restrictions than might ordinarily be considered. “This is just one of the consequences of living during a global pandemic. People’s ability to undertake these large scale events are somewhat curtailed and we have to do things differently,” he said.

Why the 80 per cent and 90 per cent targets for easing restrictions?

The targets are based on the latest modelling by the Doherty Institute. This is the modelling that guided the national reopening plan.

Will there still be statewide lockdowns from November 23?

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens would not rule out statewide lockdowns once borders opened. “It’s very difficult to say. There’s a tipping point that would see a lockdown being considered if we have a significant community outbreak that can’t be controlled,” Mr Stevens said on Wednesday morning. “It’s certainly something that might find itself back on the drawing board.”

Are vaccinations mandatory in SA by a certain date?

No, but movements and activities will be restricted for people who are not vaccinated. Chief public health officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said it was not too late to get vaccinated. “If you go and get your Pfizer this week, you still have three weeks to get your second dose,” she said on Tuesday. You can book your vaccination appointment via the SA Health website.

Are there different restrictions for those who are unvaccinated?

You will not be permitted to take part in high risk activities like going to nightclubs or standing up to drink. Premier Steven Marshall said the government would consult closely with the industry to work out how this would be policed before 90 per cent vaccination targets are reached.

Is our health system prepared to handle incoming Covid cases?

Calvary North Adelaide, Flinders Private Hospital and Parkwynd Hospital will provide an extra 73 beds to help cope with the inevitable Covid surge when restrictions ease and borders open. The beds are part of the $123 million capacity boost announced by the government, and are in addition to the 93 beds which will be added to Modbury Hospital, Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre and the Repat Health Precinct.

A further 107 beds will be opened across other hospitals in coming months.