SA’s emergency Covid laws may soon go, police commissioner flags as cases spike again

Grant Stevens has applied to extend his emergency powers again – but says Covid restrictions could end by April 1, despite another spike in cases today.

A vast majority of South Australia’s Covid-19 restrictions may be lifted by the start of April as life returns to normal after the Omicron wave, the state’s top cop has said.

In his most optimistic comments to date, Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has flagged a potential end to major emergency Covid-19 laws by April 1 after two years.

Mr Stevens, who authorises all legal directions as state Covid-19 co-ordinator, on Wednesday raised hope that a fourth round of easing restrictions next week could become a “baseline”.

He said the Covid Ready Committee would “actively consider relaxing” more restrictions.

This may include easing Covid-19 patient quarantine and close contact isolation rules.

His comments came amid a sharp spike of almost 500 cases on Wednesday – the biggest rise in six weeks – while hospitalisation rates are stable.

Two men, in their 50s and 70s, died from the virus.

Police commissioner Grant Stevens. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

SA Health reported 2075 daily cases – the biggest rise since Australia Day – and up from 1618 on Tuesday and 1358 on Monday. Last night, 111 patients were recovering in hospital, an increase of just one case in 24 hours.

ICU patient numbers are stable at nine cases, while one person is on a ventilator.

The Education Department also reported at least 400 more students in the past day were absent for a Covid-related reason.

Mr Stevens said his latest request to Governor Frances Adamson for a 28-day Major Emergency Declaration extension “may be the last”.

“This is a live consideration for us,” he said.

“I don’t think that time is now, but clearly we’re closely watching it. There are a range of considerations that need to be taken into account.

“There is nothing … immediately apparent at this point in time that would see it change in the next 28-day period.”

Professor Nicola Spurrier is reviewing isolation rules. Picture: Keryn Stevens

All directions made under the Emergency Management Act would be void after the laws are revoked. That includes public activity restrictions, density limits, enforced quarantine and QR codes.

It would also include the scrapping of vaccine mandates, but Mr Stevens said industries that required them would need to explore other laws, such as the Public Health Act.

“If we were to revoke the Major Emergency Declaration, there maybe some base level requirements that need to exist,” he said.

This could include isolation and QR codes at high-risk locations. First launched in late March 2020, Mr Stevens has sought an extension to the Emergency Management Act 29 times.

He said he could revoke the laws at any stage based on advice, but it was vital the state’s hospital system was coping.

Mr Stevens said laws were still needed, especially due to the March 19 election. People could get postal packs to vote if they were in isolation.

He said normality would return when “we’re well and truly through the pandemic”.

SHARP SPIKE

The state on Wednesday recorded a sharp spike of almost 500 cases, in the biggest rise in six weeks, but hospitalisation rates are stable.

Another two infectious men, in their 50s and 70s, have also died, SA Health reported.

SA Health reported 2075 daily cases, which is the biggest one day rise since Australia Day and compared with 1618 on Tuesday and 1358 on Monday.

On Wednesday, 111 patients were recovering in hospital, an increase of just one case in the past 24 hours.

The number of ICU patients is also stable at nine cases, while just one person is on a ventilator.

Authorities say daily infections will jump around but they are closely monitoring the rates of patients being admitted to hospital.
The Education Department has also reported at least 400 extra students in the past day reported absent for a Covid-related reason such as being infectious or being a close contact.

Originally published as SA’s emergency Covid laws may soon go, police commissioner flags as cases spike again