South Australian Premier Steven Marshall has announced that South Australia will close its borders.
The Premier held a press conference today after an urgent meeting this morning to address the state’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.
All those entering South Australia will be required to self-isolate for fourteen days from their arrival. This will apply immediately to South Australians, other Australians, and other travellers, and will be supported by border control from Tuesday 24 March at 4pm.
Entrants will need to sign a declaration stating where they will be undertaking their isolation and there will be checks to enforce this.
SAPOL will be at the twelve border control stations around South Australia, with controls put in place where interstate trains come in, as well as the airport.
Declaration of a major emergency will be made as of 1pm. This declaration will allow SAPOL to use staff from PIRSA and DPTI to assist in the border patrol processes.
Regarding regional South Australia, and towns placed across the border, people within those towns will be able to travel within the town, once their identity has been verified.
Freight will continue to move, to ensure supplies are kept up. This will be carefully controlled and administered to ensure the safety of all involved. Sensible exemptions will be made.
The Premier stated there is no evidence at this time of community transition in the state, however given the current climate of the world, South Australia is being proactive.
The intention is to attempt to reduce the peak of the coronavirus impact, and give South Australia the maximum amount of time to prepare, meet and exceed what needs to be done to combat this.
In terms of the AFL, the Premier has said this will be left to public health officials to make a call on players travelling to South Australia.
Price Waterhouse Cooper are offering SA Health pro bono work to assist.
AAHPC has advised that schools remain open. A Cabinet meeting will be held tonight at 6pm to bring up the issue once again.
More details to come.
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