COVID-19

SA restrictions return, with limits on gatherings, gyms to close

What we know following Steven Marshall’s 3pm COVID-19 press conference.

NOTE: AT THIS STAGE NO CASES ARE LINKED TO THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

This afternoon SA Premier Steven Marshall, MP Stephen Wade, Police Commissioner Grant Stevens and Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier have held a press conference to discuss the unfolding COVID-19 situation in South Australia.

Premier Steven Marshall said “We are working around the clock to get on top of the Parafield cluster. We will not hesitate to act on the expert health advice. Time is now of the essence and we must act swiftly and decisively.”

“We are supercharging capabilities at covid testing locations including Parafield Airport and Magill which are now open until 8pm tonight.”

“All inbound international flights have been suspended for the remainder of this week. We want to ensure our medi hotels can meet the quarantining needs of our local cases.”

“In regards to aged care facilities, as soon as there is any positive case of a resident – there is none presently – they would go straight to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.”

“The next 24 hours will be critical.”

The Premier went on to outline new changes to restrictions, which are both advice only, and changes to directions, which come into force from midnight tonight.

These changes are in place for at least two weeks, however these directions will be reviewed and changed as necessary.

CURRENT ADVICE

The current advice is to work from home if possible. We are encouraging vulnerable people to stay at home and refrain from visitors. Everyone is to refrain from unnecessary travel. Wear a mask if in a situation where distancing isn’t possible, such as on public transport.

RESTRICTIONS

From midnight tonight, gyms, recreation centres, trampoline and play centres will close.

Community sports fixtures and training are temporarily cancelled – contact and non contact, indoor and outdoor. Boot camps and outdoor fitness activities can continue.

Funerals capped at 50 people. 4 square metre rule applies.

Church gatherings & religious ceremonies are capped at 100 people, with the 4 square metre rule applying.

Weddings are limited to 150 people, no stand up drinking and 4 square metre rule applies. All guests must be registered online in advance.

Private gatherings at licensed venues capped at 50, no stand up drinking. 4 square metre rule applies.

Hospitality, pubs, clubs & restaurants, max of 100 people, 4 square metre rule applies, no standing consumption including outside, max booking of 10 people. Seating dining only.

Private residences capped at 10 people.

All activities with approved covid management plans have been cancelled for the next two weeks.

Personal care activities including nails, tattoo parlours, and hair salons, masks mandatory for operators and encouraged for clients.

Cinemas and theatres, one person per 4 square metres.

Aged care workers restricted to work in one venue only, and aged care residents to receive only 2 visitors per day. Masks will be mandatory at aged-care facilities.

Schools all remain open.

The cluster, identified this weekend, has so far seen 17 new community transmission cases, along with dozens of venues flagged after being visited by infected people over the last few days.

Those testing positive range from 1 year to 80 years. Two cases are in hospital, in a stable condition, and are there only due to their age and vulnerability.

13 of the cases are linked to the Parafield cluster, including 2 children.

Parafield Plaza Supermarket, Hungry Jacks Port Adelaide and several schools have been closed as authorities attempt to get control over the outbreak as quickly as possible.

Calvary Hospital is closed for general visits except for obstetrics and paediatrics patients, and a Brompton aged care facility has been closed to visitors while it undergoes deep cleaning.

Prof Spurrier says that more cases will likely emerge from this cluster, and people should remain vigilant.

Further details will be provided shortly.

If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, even if mild, seek testing immediately. For a list of testing sites visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/covidtesting

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