COVID-19

SA Premier announces changes to mask mandates across the state.

By Glam Adelaide

Posted on April 12, 2022

Peter Malinauskas addressed the South Australian public this morning with the latest information regarding COVID-19 restrictions in SA.

He announced that mask mandates will be relaxed this Friday April 15th following the previous press conference where he foreshadowed the information.

As of Friday, the only settings where you are required to wear a mask will be in high risk areas such as public and private hospitals, aged care facilities, public transport and ride share arrangements. For all others locations, South Australians will have the choice on whether they do or do not wear a mask.

Mr Malinauskas said “Wearing masks is a choice – if you’re no longer required to wear a mask but want to, you should. Anyone can wear a mask for anytime. You’re still free to choose.”

The Premier has not made a decision on mask-wearing in schools at this time and is waiting until after the school holidays to make the call saying “masks in schools has been an important mitigation tool, so it’s important to wait and see what happens these three weeks.

“None of us want to see kids wearing masks in schools if they don’t have to. The last thing we want is to remove masks, and explode in numbers after schools resume. Will only keep masks if it is absolutely imperative to do so.”

Changes to check-in requirements were also made with the moth-balling of QR codes. Check in is no longer required anywhere apart from high-risk settings such as hospitals and aged care facilities. Mr Malinauskas made clear that QR codes may be reintroduced should it be needed in the future.

Close contact arrangements will be maintained as they currently stand leaving SA in line with the rest of the country. One change to close contact arrangements is being made is to the airline industry as they face the capacity to put staff on.

The changes come as the Labor government continue to monitor case numbers and hospitalisations which are have been hovering around the 200 mark. They have also implemented 140 additional hospital beds that were not there 3 weeks ago.