Reopening from lockdown: SA borders to open and venue capacities increased as coronavirus restrictions wound back
South Australia’s borders will reopen from July 20, while restaurants and pubs will be able to hold more patrons from next Friday. We explain the new rules and when they will change for travel, socialising and exercising.
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South Australia’s borders will reopen in about five weeks and capacities for large indoor venues will increase dramatically from next Friday as state and federal authorities fast-track Australia’s reopening.
National changes announced on Friday mean weddings, funerals, restaurants and indoor venues will be able to hold bigger functions, while up to 10,000 people will be allowed in some footy stadiums from July – although doubt remains about whether this will apply to Adelaide Oval.
South Australia will now move to Stage 3 restrictions from Monday June 29, several days earlier than planned.
Premier Steven Marshall said that from next Friday, June 19, maximum occupancy limits per room in a venue will be increased from 20 to 75 people per room. The total cap per venue will increase from 80 to 300 people. However, venues will only be permitted to hold one person per 4 square metres of floor space.
From June 29, there will be no total cap on numbers for indoor venues such as pubs and restaurants – just the 4 square metre rule.
In addition, state borders will be reopened from Monday July 20.
As further details emerge today we’ll update this story with what’s changing for South Australian citizens regarding travel, sport, pubs, restaurants, gyms and other venues.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said today that under stage 3, more people would be allowed in some entertainment venues and sporting facilities – but nightclubs would remain closed because they were too high-risk for virus transmission.
BORDERS
From July 20: All SA borders will be opened and people inbound will not have to self-isolate. This is because there have only been 43 cases in the last week nationally, and other states have the virus under control. The 14-day quarantine of inbound visitors from overseas remains.
It is possible that quarantine requirements may be relaxed earlier for people coming from states which have few COVID-19 cases.
Currently: There are no restrictions on travel within SA. Border control checkpoints are operating for traffic, inbound visitors must self-quarantine for 14 days and all overseas travel is prohibited.
PUBS AND RESTAURANTS
From Friday June 19 (Stage 2.5): The current 20 person per room limit will be increased to 75, and the total venue cap from 80 to 300.
From June 29: Cenue capacity limits removed and replaced with a rule of one person per 4 square metres. This will accommodate the Australian Hotels Association which had complained that only 20 people were allowed in very large rooms licenced for more than 1000.
Currently: Currently you can go to the pub for a drink and not be required to buy a meal. However, alcoholic beverages must be consumed while seated at tables that are physically separate from the bar or other area that’s used for taking orders. People present must not exceed more than 1 person per 4 square metres and 1.5m physical distancing must be adhered to.
CASINO & POKIES
From June 29: SkyCity Casino anticipates reopening when the state moves to Stage 3 restrictions. Pokie lounges in pubs will be reopened from June 29, while the casino is working with the State Government on a detailed plan for other gambling because of the large number of “touch points”, such as at card tables.
Currently: Pokie lounges and the casino are closed.
SPORTS
From June 29: Fans can attend sport again, up to a 25 per cent capacity for matches in stadiums that can seat 40,000 people. Further discussion needed for larger venues.
Currently: Fans banned from most large sporting events, although more than 2000 have been allowed at the Showdown on Saturday.
Adelaide sports fans may miss out on a new gathering rule that will allow up to 10,000 people into stadiums to watch matches.
The Prime Minister announced a new rule to allow up to a 25 per cent capacity for sports matches in stadiums that can seat 40,000 people, when each state moves to Stage 3 restrictions – which will be on June 29 in SA.
But Adelaide Oval, which has a capacity of 53,500 people, is too big to benefit from the new rule.
Mr Morrison would not confirm if bigger stadiums like Adelaide Oval and the MCG would be allowed 10,000 spectators, but said it would likely be a decision for the chief health officer of each state in collaboration with the venue.
“When you’re up above 40,000, you’ve got more than 10,000 people going to a gathering,” he said. “That has implications for the egress and access off and to those premises, public transport crushes, all those sorts of things, and that will require much more significant work.”
Mr Morrison said he didn’t expect any stadiums to allow crowds of 10,000 this month, but by July there may be further clarity around crowds for bigger stadiums.
FOOD COURTS
From June 29: Food courts will be allowed to reopen with social distancing measures and hygiene improved.
Currently: All food courts remain closed.
INDOOR SPORT/GYMS
From Friday June 19 (Stage 2.5): The 20-person room limit for many venues which had a severe effect on indoor sport and gyms will be increased to 75 people for use of fixed equipment. But fitness classes may be subject to new restrictions, with one person per 7 square metres being discussed.
The total cap of 80 people per venue with a number of rooms will be increased to 300. Each venue will have to be looked at for indoor sport and gym use, depending on the high-energy activities and may face restrictions – for example zumba or other dance classes.
From June 29 (Stage 3): Indoor sports can begin competition as long as it is non-contact or involves only accidental contact. There are no plans for widespread return of fans to indoor sports such as basketball, netball or martial arts.
Currently: Indoor sport training must be non-contact or involve only accidental contact. Competition is banned. Gyms can only have 20 people.
CINEMAS/THEATRES/NIGHTCLUBS
From June 29: Entertainment venues will benefit from the removal of per-room capacities, but must maintain the one-person per four square metres rule.
There are no plans to reopen nightclubs or allow large outdoor concerts or other arts events.
Currently: Entertainment performances may be held but the audience must not exceed more than one person per four square metres and adhere to 1.5m physical distancing. There can be a maximum of 20 people per room or auditorium and nightclubs are banned.
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