South Australia has added New South Wales to the COVID-19 Low Community Transmission Zones in the latest Cross Border Travel Direction 15, which takes effect from 12 midnight Thursday 24 September.
New South Wales joins Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, Tasmania and Australian Capital Territory on the list of Low Community Transmission Zones.
Any cross-border traveller arriving from any of those States or Territories, who have not been in Victoria or overseas in the previous 14 days, are able to enter South Australia without being obliged to self-quarantine or submit to COVID-19 testing.
These travellers must still apply online before attempting to cross the border into South Australia.
Anyone planning to travel to South Australia from New South Wales is urged to apply as early as possible to allow sufficient time to process the application as SAPOL anticipates strong initial demand, particularly from SA residents seeking to return to South Australia.
This is a significant event for our State, reflecting the substantial investment by communities, businesses and governments around the country in enforcing strict measures designed to suppress community transmission and curtail the second infection wave. Victoria’s infection statistics are tracking down and South Australian authorities remain hopeful that Victorian cross-border restrictions could be eased before too long if this positive trend continues.
The South Australian Government recognises the substantial impacts that the strict cross-border arrangements have had on both businesses and families.
Premier Steven Marshall this week highlighted that South Australia’s borders will stay open for as long as it remains safe to do so. This reinforces the critical importance of the industry’s ongoing infection control practices and the avoidance of complacency amongst our resources and energy sector workforce.
Despite our success in suppressing the spread of the COVID-19 virus, a third wave is still a credible threat.
Arrangements for individual specialist workers, or by employers on their behalf, seeking an exemption for Victorian travel have not changed. These workers are strongly encouraged to apply early as exemption application volumes from community and industry remain substantial, and subject to prioritisation through SAPOL and SA Health.
I look forward to providing you with further positive updates. In the meantime, stay well.
Paul Heithersay
Chief Executive
Department for Energy and Mining
24 September 2020