COVID-19

SA Health updates testing time requirements for exposure site attendees

SA Health has clarified and updated testing requirements after some exposure site attendees faced confusion about protocol.

SA Health has updated their emergency management plan and clarified testing requirements for those who attended an exposure site. 

Some people have faced confusion about which day counts as their “day 0” for quarantining after an exposure location, and this new direction from SA Health sheds more light on that matter.

Anyone who received written instructions from SA Health (not including SMS) must follow these new testing and quarantine timing requirements: 

  • The day you last visited an exposure location is counted as Day 0. You must quarantine for 14 more days from this date.
  • You must obtain your first test within 24 hours of becoming aware that you were at an exposure location. 
  • You are required to have a day 5 and day 13 test.
  • If you don’t have your first test until 4 to 7 days after exposure, you are not required to have a test on day 5 but instead must have a test on day 9.  
  • If your first test is on day 13, you only need one test unless otherwise instructed.
  • You must have a negative day 13 test before you can leave quarantine. Day 15 is release day.
  • You are not required to have more than one test in a 48 hour window, unless symptomatic or directed by an Authorised Officer.
  • You should get tested immediately at any time during the 14 days if you develop new symptoms.
  • You may be required to get tested at other times when directed to do so by SA Health or a person acting on behalf of SA Health.

All South Australians who have symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested on the day symptoms appear.

Symptoms include:
– Fever or chills (in the absence of an alternative illness that explains these symptoms)
– An acute respiratory infection e.g. cough, sore throat, runny nose, or shortness of breath
– Loss of smell or alteration in the sense of taste
– Diarrhea and vomiting
For more information: SA COVID-19 Information Line 1800 253 787; sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVID2019.

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