Premier Steven Marshall has reinstated a series of restrictions in response to the ongoing Parafield cluster in Adelaide’s northern suburbs.
As of midnight tonight, pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants will return to one-person-per-four-square metre density with a cap of 100 people per venue. Stand-up consumption will once again be prohibited outdoors, and group bookings will be capped at 10 people.
Private gatherings at licensed venues are now capped at 50 (with no stand-up consumption allowed).
Gyms, recreation centres and play cafes will close. Indoor and outdoor community sports games and training sessions are temporarily cancelled.
Funerals will be capped at 50 people, and church ceremonies capped at 100. There are no changes to capacity at weddings, but the premier reiterated that all guests must be registered.
Gatherings at private residences will be capped at 10 people (down from 50).
Density at theatres and cinemas will go back to one person per four square metres.
Masks will be mandatory in aged-care facilities, with limits of two visitors per resident per day. Staff will be limited to working at one site only.
Masks are also required by staff at nail and hair salons and tattoo parlours (and encouraged for clients).
The changes are expected to be in place for two weeks.
The premier suggests people work from home where possible and avoid non-essential travel, and has encouraged vulnerable community members to stay home and avoid having visitors. He also suggests people wear masks when it’s not possible to physically distance, such as on public transport.
Meanwhile, all inbound international flights into Adelaide have been suspended for the rest of the week.
The changes come as Adelaide records 17 coronavirus cases associated with the Parafield cluster. (As of 2pm Monday, there has been no increase in case numbers.) In response, testing sites around Adelaide will be open till 8pm tonight.
“It’s fair to say we’re facing our biggest test today,” Premier Marshall said at a press conference. “We’re working around the clock to stay ahead of this cluster ... we must act swiftly and decisively on the health advice to stay ahead of the game.”
Earlier today, Tasmania, Queensland and the Northern Territory reimposed 14-day quarantine for travellers coming from SA. Western Australia has reinstated its hard border with SA.
SA’s new cluster, which is understood to have come from a medi-hotel on Waymouth Street, has already prompted several closures, including a Hungry Jack’s in Port Adelaide, Mawson Lakes preschool and primary school, and Parafield Plaza Supermarket. Staff at Lyell McEwin Hospital, where one of the patients was tested, have been told to quarantine.
The cluster is the first case of community transmission in the state since April 15.
More to come.
SA Health strongly encourages people and businesses to practice physical distancing of 1.5 metres to minimise the spread of coronavirus. If you have Covid-19 symptoms – even if mild – get tested. Wash your hands regularly. If you have concerns about visiting businesses or public spaces, or questions about self-isolation or coronavirus testing, check out the latest updates from SA Health.
