Everything you need to know about South Australia’s coronavirus lockdown

Having trouble navigating the complex web of lockdown rules, restrictions and special exemptions? We’re answering your questions here.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Some of the information in this story and the comments box below is now outdated following changes announced on Friday.

For details on the changes to restrictions, please go here.

GENERAL RULES

When does lockdown start and end?

The new restrictions came into force at midnight Wednesday night / Thursday morning. They are now being lifted at midnight on Saturday.

Is my suburb or town affected?

The restrictions apply to the whole of South Australia.

Can I leave the house?

Only one person per household per day is allowed to leave for essentials such as groceries or medical reasons, for organised end-of-life visits or in an emergency situation.

Can I go to work?

You are permitted to leave home to attend work as an emergency services or essential services worker or for agricultural work.

Should I wear a mask?

Masks are encouraged outside the home but not yet mandatory as the logistics of distributing them across the state are not finalised.

Will fines apply?

Police have repeatedly warned that fines will be issued to individuals ($1060) and businesses ($5060) flagrantly disregarding restrictions.

Only one person per household per day is allowed to leave for essentials such as groceries or medical reasons, for organised end-of-life visits or in an emergency situation. Picture: Emma Brasier

SOCIALISING

Can I drop my children at childcare ?

Childcare is available to children whose parents are essential services workers, childern who are vulnerable or in State care.

My partner and I live separately, am I allowed to visit?

No, you must not leave your house unless for essential reasons.

What about a barbecue, an outdoor gathering or a poker game?

This is only permitted for those living within the same household.

Can I attend a wedding or funeral?

Weddings and funerals are cancelled and banned during the restrictions.

GETTING OUT

Will pubs and shops be closed?

Many businesses including pubs, cafes, restaurants and shops have been forced to close. Takeaway food services are also shut. Critical services including supermarkets and chemists will remain open.

Why are bottle shops still open?

Chief public health officer Nicola Spurrier said bottle shops are still open due to clinical advice on alcoholics in need of access to supplies.

‘We didn’t want to see an escalation in domestic violence,” Professor Spurrier said.

Why can hardware stores still trade?

For emergency maintenance supplies like plumbing tools.

“We don’t expect people to be going to the garden section of the homeware stores,” Professor Spurrier said.

Can I stay at a holiday home or second property?

Regional travel is not permitted. You must stay in the home you were in when the restrictions came into force.

Can I take the kids to the local park?

You must not leave your house unless for essential reasons.

Will public transport run as normal?

Public transport will continue as normal for now.

Public transport will continue as normal for now.

EDUCATION

Will schools remain open?

All schools, except for children of essential workers and vulnerable children, are closed.

Will universities open?

Universities are closed.

ENTERTAINMENT

Can I go to the movies?

Cinemas are closed. You must not leave your house unless for essential reasons.

Can I go out to the pub with friends?

Pubs are closed. You must not leave your house unless for essential reasons.

Can I go out for brunch or dinner?

Takeaway services are closed. You must not leave your house unless for essential reasons.

Can I go to a lesson, class or practice for dancing or singing?

You must not leave your house unless for essential reasons.

Crowds at Henley Beach on Wednesday night. From midnight, no beach visits will be allowed. Picture: Kelly Barnes/Getty Images

EXERCISE

Can I exercise?

You can exercise at home but must not leave your house unless for essential reasons. This applies to walking the dog. You can take your dog with you to pick up an essential service.

Can I play sport?

You cannot play any sport outside your home.

Can I attend bootcamp or personal training?

You cannot attend bootcamps or personal training sessions.

Are indoor sport facilities closed?

All indoor sport centres are closed.

Can I go to the beach?

You cannot go to the beach, even for exercise.

Can I participate in community sport?

There is no community sport.

Are outdoor sport facilities closed?

All outdoor sports facilities are closed.

HOME

We’re selling our house. Can we have private inspections or auctions?

Open inspections and auctions are cancelled.

Originally published as Everything you need to know about South Australia’s coronavirus lockdown