SA coronavirus restrictions: Everything you need to know
Do I need to wear a mask now? Can I go to work? We bust the confusion with our comprehensive Q&A on the latest changes to SA rules.
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Tough new restrictions have been reintroduced to South Australia as the Covid crisis continues to grow across the nation - and five new cases are confirmed in SA
Chief public health officer Professor Nicola Spurrier joined Premier Steven Marshall added more restrictions on Wednesday in addition to tough restrictions introduced Monday, with the family testing positive to the Delta strain.
Here we answer your Covid questions on restrictions and the delta strain.
NEW RESTRICTIONS FOR SA:
What are the restrictions for SA?
- Home gatherings reduced now to 10 in Adelaide, Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula, Mt Barker, and Adelaide Hills - for the rest of the state it remains at 150.
- If you are out, it is highly recommended - but not mandatory - you wear a mask. This is particularly important for those in the Adelaide, Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula, Mt Barker, and Adelaide Hills regions.
- If you can’t social distance at work you should consider working from home if possible - particularly in the Adelaide, Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula, Mt Barker, and Adelaide Hills regions. This doesn’t apply to essential workers.
- South Australians banned from standing while drinking in pubs and clubs. Dancing banned.
- Weddings and funerals and other private functions at licensed venues subject to 1 person per 2 sqm.
- All plans for events with crowds of 1000 will be reviewed.
- Density for licensed premises back to 1 per 2 sqm or 50 per cent capacity, from a current 75 per cent.
- No buffets in licensed premises.
- Shisha sharing at Shisha bars banned.
Who needs to wear a mask?
People attending health care, residential care, disability support or aged-care services must wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth at all times when in the physical presence of other people on the premises. This includes care providers, patients, clients, residents, administration and other staff, employees, visitors, students, contractors and any other person on the site.
And masks are back for venues of high-density – so in the cinema or live theatre where there is fixed seating and an audience of between 50 per cent to the maximum of 75 per cent – and also mandatory in nail salons, tattoo parlours, hairdressers and similar businesses.
SA Health is asking everyone else to put on a mask when out in public.
Who should not wear a mask?
Masks should not be worn by children under the age of two or anyone with trouble breathing, unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without help. Children under the age of 12 are not required to wear a mask because they may not be able to handle it properly.
What makes an effective face mask?
Cloth masks should be made of three layers of a mix of breathable fabrics, to ensure adequate protection. You can also use single-use disposable surgical masks. Make sure your mask is not wet, or it can no longer do its job. Make sure the mask fits snugly under your chin, over the bridge of your nose and against the sides of your face. It should be snug and secured with ties at the back of your head, or by ear loops.
Before putting the mask on, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use hand sanitiser that is made up of more than 60 per cent alcohol.
How often should I wash my cloth mask?
You should wash your mask after each use, and you can wash it in a washing machine or by hand. If using a washing machine, don’t be afraid to wash your mask along with your regular laundry — with standard laundry detergent and the warmest water the cloth material of your mask can handle. If you’re washing by hand, soak your cloth mask and then rinse thoroughly with water. You’ll want to be sure your mask dries completely after being washed.
Can I go and sing at a karaoke bar?
No, choirs and karaoke and other organised singing is banned. But scheduled performances on the stage are fine, as is singing lessons or singing for educational purposes – so school music classes are fine.
What if I’m standing at a bar, can I drink alcohol?
No, you must be seated while consuming alcohol. If there are seats at the bar, go right ahead and sit at the bar though.
So home gathering are now capped at 10 but what about weddings or a funeral?
Home gathering are capped at 10 people for metro-Adelaide, Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula, Mt Barker, and Adelaide Hills. For the rest of the state it remains at 150. The maximum attendance permitted at a wedding or funeral or other private function is still 150 people, unless at a licensed premises where the 1 person per 2 square metres rule applies. You must be seated while consuming alcohol.
But I can get up and have a boogie on the dancefloor?
No sorry. Dancing is not permitted in nightclubs or licenced premises.
So what about offices with more than 150 workers – do I have to work from home?
THE DELTA STRAIN AND GETTING TESTED
Anyone who shows any symptoms of Covid-19 should get tested.
Why is Delta such a concern?
The Delta strain is thought to be between 40 to 60 per cent more contagious than the Alpha strain, which was a previous concern. The Delta variant has mutated and can attach to human cells more easily. The World Health Organisation have said the strain is the “fastest and fittest” spreading variant so far. It can spread within seconds of strangers passing each other.
Do Delta’s symptoms differ?
In addition to the higher transmissibility, there are anecdotal reports from India that the Delta variant is more severe in children than the so-called Alpha strain. And doctors treating patients in India have reported disturbing new symptoms, including gangrene and hearing loss.
Do vaccines work for the Delta variant?
Top US infectious disease scientist Dr Anthony Fauci called the variant the “greatest threat” to efforts to control the virus and called for an acceleration in vaccinations, US media reported. While several studies have shown that vaccines are slightly less effective against Delta, they are still highly effective, but only after the second dose.
GET VACCINATED
Covid-19 vaccinations reduce the community’s risk of Covid-19 outbreaks and will help to reduce symptoms and side effects of Covid-19. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is completely voluntary. However, it is strongly encouraged and health authorities have suggested that when a large majority of the population is vaccinated restrictions may be less extreme.
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is being given to eligible people aged under 60 years.
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine requires two doses, 21 days apart.
See more information about the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
All people 60 and over are now eligible to be vaccinated, and will be given the AstraZeneca COVID-19.
The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine requires two doses, with the second dose recommended to be administered 12 weeks after the first.
See more information about the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
You need to bring your Medicare card and ID to your appointment – and wear a mask.
TRAVEL
Can I leave SA?
A growing outbreak in Sydney and new Covid cases in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Darwin have sparked major border changes across Australia. The situation has caused NZ to hit pause on the trans-Tasman travel bubble, and thrown school holiday plans into chaos.
SA currently has its borders shut to Western Australia, Queensland, the Northern Territory, and the ACT.
Victorians entering the Festival State must take a Covid test on day one. However, if travellers have been to a “tier 1” or “tier 2” exposure site, you cannot enter.
South Aussies can travel wherever they want within their home state.
More information on travel in each state can be found here.
QR CODES
Which businesses actually need to display a QR code?
All businesses with a Covid-safe plan need a QR code displayed. Yes, it’s mandatory. Yes, businesses could be fined for failing to do so.
Do I need to check in at the supermarket or Bunnings?
Yes. Any business with a Covid-safe plan must have a QR code tracing system.
What if a customer refuses to use the app?
Customers, of course, have the right not to enter any shop or business where the QR code check in is required. But businesses, too, have the right to refuse service or entry to anyone who refuses to use the app or check in. Businesses face fines for flagrant breaches of the rules.
Do I need to check in using the QR code if I’m just going out for a take away coffee? Or picking up take away food and not dining in?
Yes. Regardless of how long you are in a venue you need to check in.
My kid isn’t old enough to sign up to mySA GOV account – how are they supposed to check in on QR codes?
If you are with your child, just you need to check in. If, however, your child is without a guardian, they will need to check in – manually using the ol’ style pen and paper check in, which all businesses are required to have.
Got a Covid question about new restrictions, travel or getting vaccinated that we haven’t answered? Leave it in the comments below and our team will endeavour to get an answer for you.
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