The South Australian towns with zero coronavirus cases

Coronavirus washed over the world like a titanic tidal wave but against the odds parts of South Australia have managed to remain untouched. SEE THE MAP (but don’t go and visit).

• LATEST SA UPDATES: Third South Australian dies
• Here’s what you can do in SA this Easter long weekend
• Partygoers fined for gathering
• Giveaways and rewards: Get the most from your Advertiser subscription

South Australia’s regions are faring better than the city in the COVID-19 battle, reinforcing calls for people to stay away from traditional Easter holiday hot spots.

More than a third of the state’s council areas remain free of coronavirus, much to the relief of local mayors who warn their healthcare systems cannot bear the risk.

The Advertiser’s analysis of confirmed cases across five states reveals SA has the third lowest proportion of infected council areas.

Tumby Bay so far has no coronavirus cases, along with the Flinders Ranges, Riverland, Coorong, Robe, Clare and Gilbert Valley council areas.

Other SA councils that are yet to record a case include Ceduna, Coober Pedy, Naracoorte and Kimba.

COVID-19 IN SA DATA MAP

Local Government Association of SA president Sam Telfer said the virus would only move to new areas if people brought it with them.

“We are encouraging people to stay within their own district across the state to minimise the risk of this virus moving, especially into regions which have limited medical and social support structures,” he said.

Mr Telfer, who is the Mayor of Tumby Bay, said the Easter school holidays was usually a busy time for tourists but people now had a responsibility to stay at home.

Tumby Bay resident Keryn Hibbit said people from outside the district needed to put the health of others ahead of their getaway plans.

“When this is over, we’ll welcome you back with open arms,” she said. In other parts of the country, almost two thirds of councils in Western Australia are yet to record a case.

NSW follows with 55 per cent of local government areas free from the virus, according to analysis by The Advertiser.

Victoria has the widest spread of cases, with just nine council areas yet to record an infection.

In SA, beaches remain open for people to exercise, provided they live close by.

But Surf Life Saving Australia is pleading with holiday-makers and day-trippers to stay away, in line with official advice to limit transmission.

The Tumby Bay beachfront. Tumby Bay is one of several SA towns with no recorded cases of coronavirus.

MORE NEWS:

Here’s what you CAN do in SA this Easter long weekend

COV-idiots fined for flouting party ban

On the Fleurieu Peninsula, Yankalilla Mayor Glen Rowlands said the council encouraged people to use common sense because beach walks were good for exercise and mental health.

He said locals, who were predominantly aged 50-plus, were practising good social distancing and did not want people from the city undoing that.

“We don’t want them here over Easter or even on a day trip,” he said.

Streaky Bay has also sent a strong message for visitors to stay home, closing its campgrounds for non-essential travel. Premier Steven Marshall said the state’s three coronavirus-related deaths this week were a timely reminder that SA could not afford to be complacent.

“While we all like to get away over Easter and the school holidays, now is not the time to be travelling, especially to our regions,” he said. “Stay home and stop the spread.”

Police have also warned they will be out in force looking for non-essential travellers.

“You will be questioned regarding your travel plan,” Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said.