SA coronavirus restrictions: Everything you need to know about SA restrictions

Our third lockdown is well behind us but there’s a raft of tough new rules. See all the latest updates on SA restrictions here, plus testing stations, exposure sites and more.

South Australia continues to ease some restrictiones - but mask rules are to remian. See all the latest changes to below. Plus where you can get tested, the delta strain and QR codes. It’s everything you need to know!

Lockdown is over so can I leave quarantine?

No. Those in quarantine must serve out their 14 day quarantine and do their Day 1, 5 and 13 testing, and get tested after that if they get symptoms, even after lockdown ends.

Who needs to wear a mask?

Masks are now mandatory on public transport and at indoor venues such as supermarkets and churches where social distancing is not possible.

You must wear a mask while walking outside if cannot physically distance from other people.

Masks are not required if you are walking alone or are with other members of your household.

Masks are not required while conducting vigorous physical exercise, provided you can physically distance from other people.

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.

High school students and their teachers must also wear masks.

SA Health is asking everyone else to put on a mask if you go out in public.

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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.

THE DELTA STRAIN

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.

Is the latest SA positive case the Delta strain?

We don’t know yet but Premier Steven Marshall said authorities are treating it as such.

“We’re assuming it is the Delta variant but we don’t have the final genomic testing of that strain yet – that will likely take 24 hours for those tests to come back,” he said.

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.

QR CODES

Which businesses actually need to display a QR code?

All businesses with a Covid-safe plan will need a QR code displayed. Yes, it’s mandatory. Yes, businesses could be fined for failing to do so.

Just to break it down for you. Under the Public Activities COVID-19 Direction, any business or venue that is defined as being a “defined public activity” must have a Covid Safe Plan. And any business with a Covid-safe plan must implement the 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 as do customers refusing to check in.

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 at 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.

But remember, our Premier says “we’re not out of the woods yet”. Here’s what our lockdown rules were as a reminder for us all to work together to avoid another one!