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COVID-19 update from Dr Paul Heithersay, Chief Executive, Department for Energy and Mining

South Australia is now in day one of a six-day pause to allow SA Health and SAPOL to conduct an intensive contact tracing and testing blitz to contain the COVID-19 Parafield cluster.

In response to the coronavirus outbreak in South Australia, the Victorian Government has announced it will implement temporary border controls from tonight. From 11:59 pm Thursday 19 November, a ‘hard border’ will be in place for 48 hours before a permit system comes into effect from 11:59 pm Saturday 21 November. This is the first border arrangement that Victoria has instituted since the pandemic began.

Under the hard border, only freight drivers and those with medical or emergency reasons, urgent animal welfare or as authorised by law will be able to pass through the border. The final details of the permit scheme are expected to be released by the Victorian Government shortly. Initial indications are that the reasons to enter Victoria from South Australia from Saturday night will include:

  • if you are an emergency services worker or a worker providing essential services
  • for agricultural work
  • to receive medical care (including seeking coronavirus testing), obtain medical supplies or compassionate reasons
  • to shop to obtain essential supplies.

Victoria Police are mobilising to establish check points on roads between South Australia and Victoria.

From today, interstate truck drivers travelling through Victoria from South Australia will be offered extra testing at a site at Nhill on the Western Highway. Other testing sites are being activated across Victorian freight routes.

Relevant definitions for the border controls in this circumstance (eg essential services) are not yet clear. Companies and individuals across the resources and energy sector potentially affected by the controls are encouraged to monitor Department of Health and Human Services coronavirus web site for updates and the release of advice regarding the Victorian permit system.

Both the South Australian and Victorian governments recognise in particular the significant burden that border communities and the FIFO, DIDO and freight sectors have borne throughout the pandemic. Both governments are committed to minimising the impact of the arrangements, and a return to normal operations as soon as possible.

Continue to liaise directly with Martin.Reid@sa.gov.au in relation to specific questions you may have on the Emergency Management (Stay at Home) (COVID-19) Direction 2020 that came into force from 12.01 an today.

Stay well

Paul Heithersay

Thursday 19 November 2020

Read more on the Department for Energy and Mining COVID-19 response