Today South Australia’s Premier, Steven Marshall held a press conference with Chief Public Health Officer Prof. Nicola Spurrier.
Rebooting the economy is the next focus for the state, ensuring we don’t go backwards with our health objectives.
To guide the delicate process of both continuing to move out of the COVID-19 health emergency and restore the social and economic health of the State, the SA Government has established a broad high-level transition team.
While maintaining the vigilance of our public health response, the highly credentialed Transition Committee will look at which restrictions should be eased and in what order, as we take the next steps to return the State’s economy and community way of life to the new normal.
The Committee membership is listed below, and will work hand in glove with Cabinet:
• Chief Executive, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Jim McDowell (chair);
• Commissioner, South Australia Police, Grant Stevens;
• Chief Public Health Officer, Professor Nicola Spurrier;
• Chief Executive, Department for Health and Wellbeing, Dr Chris McGowan;
• Chief Executive, Department of Treasury and Finance, David Reynolds; and
• Chief Executive, Department for Trade and Investment, Leonie Muldoon.
Every one of the restrictions that have been put in place have been agonised over, as the implications have been vast, however they’ve all been necessary. We don’t want a saw-tooth approach, where we retract restrictions, only to put them back later.
Chief Public Health Officer Prof. Nicola Spurrier revealed today’s results.
There were no new Coronavirus cases today.
943 tests were done yesterday. There are 7 active cases. 98% of cases have recovered.
Testing criteria has been expanded to include anyone with unexplained and acute loss of smell or alteration in taste.
Three COVID-19 patients remain in hospital, however none of these people currently require intensive care.
SA Pathology has undertaken more than 60,000 tests for COVID-19 so far.
Looking at the risks involved, and given the schools are back, restrictions are being lifted in playgrounds.
From this week public parks, skate parks and playgrounds will be able to re-open in South Australia. Just remember social distancing must be practiced and if you’re sick – don’t go to the playgrounds. Use your common sense.
SA Health has said “Local councils have been important partners in our fight against COVID-19.”
“In the early stages of the pandemic, a number of councils closed parks and playgrounds, which was appropriate at the time, although there was no specific requirement to do so.”
“Now that we have low levels of cases and there is no current evidence of community transmission in South Australia, it is safe to enjoy these public facilities again.”
“The risk of COVID-19 transmission from outdoor parks, playgrounds and equipment is low and can be managed by following social distancing and hygiene precautions.”
SA Health also recommends councils clean playgrounds and equipment regularly. SA Health is also recommending increasing cleaning and disinfection of public amenities (e.g. public toilets).
For more information the general public should call the SA COVID-19 Information Line on 1800 253 787 or go to www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVID2019
More News
