Delta variant seeding concerns prompt tougher restrictions in South Australia from midnight tonight

One state has reimposed tougher Covid-19 restrictions, including new mask rules, despite there being no locally acquired cases in 212 days.

The potential seeding of Covid-19 from interstate has spooked South Australian authorities into introducing tougher restrictions from midnight.

Authorities’ concerns were heightened over the weekend as locally acquired cases were announced in Queensland and the Northern Territory, along with tougher rules in Western Australia and the ACT.

Premier Steven Marshall announced on Monday afternoon that caps at private gatherings, density requirements and a pause on all communal facilities would begin from midnight on Monday.

The new restrictions are expected to be in place for a week.

Under the changes, masks will need to be worn in high risk settings like aged care facilities and hospitals, and were “highly recommended” for commuters using public transport and rideshare vehicles.

A cap of 150 people will be allowed at private gatherings, including weddings and funerals.

Licensed premises will have a density arrangement of one person per two sqm and only seated alcohol consumption will be allowed indoors.

South Australia has introduced new Covid-19 restrictions. Picture: The Advertiser/ Morgan Sette

No communal facilities, like buffets or smoking shisha, are permitted.

Singing has also been banned at indoor seated entertainment facilities, such as choirs and karaoke bars.

“I think this has been a real wake up call for Australia, which has been doing extraordinarily well in recent times,” Mr Marshall said.

He again urged residents to be tested as soon as symptoms developed, to get vaccinated and use QR codes.

The Premier had warned South Australians on Sunday that harsher restrictions would be introduced on Monday.

He made the comment during his announcement the state’s borders would “immediately” be closed to all other jurisdictions except Victoria and Tasmania.

The state already had a border arrangement with NSW prior to the announcement.

South Australia closed its borders to Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia on Sunday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

Adelaide Airport on Monday as Covid-19 border restrictions were enforced. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

SA chief public health officer Nicola Spurrier said the evolving Covid-19 situation across the nation was “very concerning”.

She said the Delta variant was highly transmissible and could be passed on simply by walking past an infected person.

She added the restrictions were put in place to prevent further issues, such as a mass lockdown.

“If we get this Delta strain in our community with the behaviours that we have, we will have a very serious problem that I can’t promise we’ll get on top of,” Professor Spurrier said.

“If anyone wants to think about what kind of problem it could be, have a look at NSW.”

She said it was difficult to say if the strain had already made its way into the state but increased testing rates would give a clearer idea.

Professor Spurrier said she would look at the number of cases and exposure sites from other jurisdictions to determine if restrictions could eased at the end of the week.

“We do need to put protections in place … I’m hoping we get on top of this Delta stain very quickly across Australia,” she said.

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said he believed the proactive actions taken by authorities would have a positive reaction from the community.

“If we sat on out hands and did nothing, we’d be here in possibly two weeks time where you’d be criticising us … because we didn’t take action to stop a full lockdown,” he said.

“I think we’re in a much better position to take some proactive steps to slow things down so we can respond more effectively and minimise the risk of the virus spreading in SA.”

Premier Steven Marshall flagged restrictions would be imposed today at a press conference on Sunday afternoon. Picture: The Advertiser/ Morgan Sette

Mr Marshall said the outbreak from the Bondi cluster had led to seeding in other jurisdictions, so South Australians needed to be “extraordinary vigilant” because the state had the lowest level of restrictions in the country.

“It is quite possible that there has been some seeding of the Delta variant from NSW or Victoria into SA so we need to look at the very low level of restrictions that we have,” he said.

“We are thinking of moving to a higher level of restrictions internally for a one week period.

“It is a worrying situation that is developing right around Australia.

“We only get a single chance to act decisively and quickly and that’s precisely what we’ll be doing in SA.”

There are concerns that the hospitality sector will be hard hit by the tougher restrictions. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

Australian Hotels Association SA chief executive Ian Horne said hospitality vendors were “shocked” by Mr Marshall’s announcement on Sunday.

He said majority of people in the sector traded at 75 per cent capacity since restrictions eased around Easter time, which was “a game changer” that saved numerous jobs and businesses.

The suggestion of tougher restrictions had created “a level of anxiety”, according to Mr Horne.

Prior to his meeting with SA Police and SA Health on Monday morning, Mr Horne said he wasn’t sure if a decision had already been made and what the density requirements would be introduced later in the day.

“There seems to be a sense among SA Health that they think the virus may already be here and therefore need to be proactive,” he told ABC Radio.

“That may all be correct but we’re totally blind on that. Our concern is that putting heavier restrictions (in place) does damage to businesses, cuts hours and impacts directly on the workforce.”

Mr Horne said he was also concerned about restrictions being imposed in regional areas where there was “no risk” of the virus and would strongly advocate for the country areas to be exempt from any potential restrictions.

SA recorded no new coronavirus infections on Monday.