State changes Covid testing rules for interstate travellers amid surge in testing wait times

One state has announced a major Covid rule change for interstate arrivals in a move expected to make entry easier.

South Australia has relaxed its Covid-19 border testing requirements, making it easier for travellers from the east coast to enter.

Effective immediately, those arriving into the state from NSW, the ACT or Victoria no longer need to get tested after they’ve entered.

Previously those travellers had to be tested on arrival.

Travellers will still need to be tested six days after entering the state.

Premier Steven Marshall announced the changes to the testing requirements on Tuesday.

He thanked everyone who went to be tested for their patience amid wait times that have exceeded nine hours for some people.

Mr Marshall apologised for the long delays.

Premier Steven Marshall announced border changes would come into effect immediately. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

He apologised for the long delays, which were up to nine hours, to get tested for Covid. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Emma Brasier

“We are doing everything we can now to free up capacity at our testing sites across South Australia and make them available for people who have symptoms,” he said.

“We‘re comforted by the fact that virtually every single person coming through the state has to have that PCR test in their own state 72 hours before departure so there is already 100 per cent screening for those people coming from interstate.

“We don't want somebody to leave the line if they have symptoms – that is problematic. But I think we’ll see those lines massively reduce.”

The premier said the government was considering bringing in rapid antigen testing for the general public.

He said the good news was despite infections rising, hospitalisations remained low.

Chief public health officer Nicola Spurrier said there were 154 new cases recorded on Tuesday, but only two per cent of those cases came from interstate arrivals.

Just one per cent came from international arrivals, 87 per cent of the cases were locally acquired and 10 per cent were in close contacts.

SA recorded 154 new cases on Tuesday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie