South Australia’s Premier, Steven Marshall has announced the latest efforts in the SA Pathology response to COVID-19.
Last night at midnight, the hard border arrangements came into place with the state of Victoria.
Testing Blitz
Effective immediately, SA Health has launched a testing blitz, where anyone who has been to Victoria in recent weeks is asked to present themselves immediately for testing.
There is no requirement to have symptoms to get tested.
SA residents returning from Victoria
South Australian’s returning from Victoria will now be required to take a test with 24 hours and then again on day 12 of their quarantine.
Mr Marshall says that a negative result is not an exemption from being required to complete the 14-day quarantine.
Returning individuals will be given three face masks that they are required to wear and referral forms to get tested. They will also be directed to the closest testing facility.
This will be followed with a phone call within 24 hours to confirm that the individuals have been tested.
Mr Marshall says that with over 50 rapid testing clinics across the state, there’s not excuse to not get tested.
SA Police have also strengthened checks and surveillance of those in quarantine.
Mobile COVID-19 Testing Van
Mobile COVID-19 testing vans will now be deployed to different areas.
These can be hot spots, metropolitan areas, rural areas and anywhere that requires further ease in testing.
These mobile vans will operate similarly to the drive-through testing clinics, with results provided via the SMS system.
Case Update
SA Health’s Chief Public Health Officer, Professor Nicola Spurrier is also urging anyone that has returned from Victoria recently to be tested.
She also spoke on the topic of mandatory testing, stating that the most important group to continue testing are those with respiratory symptoms, therefore mandatory testing is not a current requirement.
Professor Spurrier also confirmed that three individuals that were infected by the virus, have all been cleared of being active COVID-19 cases.
Professor Spurrier also says that she does not expect any new cases today.
More to come.
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