SA locks out Victorian border community members

South Australia has once again tightened its border restrictions. Here’s what it means for Victorians.

Border closed: While South Australia has banned cross border community members who are not essential travellers coming into the state, farmers with properties that span the border will be exempt.

SOUTH Australia’s border restrictions have once again tightened, locking out Victorian border community members as of next week.

The South Australian Government announced yesterday that as of August 21, those living in cross border communities who are not essential travellers will not be able to enter the state.

However, exemptions will be given to farmers with properties that span the border and students completing years 11 and 12.

“The intent is to protect South Australians as more coronavirus cases are being detected in the western districts of Victoria, with 16 active cases in the Glenelg Shire,” SA State Coordinator Commissioner Grant Stevens said.

If a person currently has the Cross Border Community Members status they can re-apply to be an Essential Traveller if they fit into another category which includes national and state security and governance, emergency services, freight and transport, urgent medical, dental, health, compassionate grounds, specialist workers in essential sectors - including primary industries and agriculture.

“Despite strict border controls the likelihood of the disease being introduced into South Australia from Victoria remains very high, we hope limiting cross border travel further will assist in limiting the number of cases in our state,” Mr Stevens said.

He said restrictions not only applied to Victorian residents coming into South Australia for work, shopping and school but to South Australians who have to travel to Victoria for such activities.