South Australians have finally been told of when they can expect new freedoms. Here’s what you need to know about the state’s roadmap.
South Australians have finally be told of when they can expect new freedoms after authorities revealed the state’s road map out of the Covid crisis.
Premier Steven Marshall, chief health officer Nicola Spurrier and Police Commissioner Grant Stevens fronted the media on Tuesday afternoon to detail the plan.
Steps to ease the current restrictions will begin once 80 per cent of the state’s eligible population have been fully vaccinated.
Mr Marshall announced from November 23, border restrictions would be lifted for interstate travellers who are double vaccinated, the required quarantine time for international travellers will decrease to just seven days and the cap for home gatherings will be increased from 20 people to 30.
The next milestone will be when 90 per cent of residents are double vaccinated, where the quarantine arrangement will be removed for overseas arrivals and all other restrictions in within the state will be lifted.
Mr Marshall said he was hopeful the state would hit that 90 per cent target before Christmas so families could have as normal as Christmas as possible.
Under the plan, masks will still need to be worn in high risk settings, like hospitals and aged care facilities even when 90 per cent of people are double jabbed.
Covid management plans will also still be required.
Those who aren’t vaccinated will need still to complete 14 days of quarantine once they arrive into the state.
Mr Marshall has long said easing restrictions would be a gradual process and the state wouldn‘t have a “Freedom Day” like in England, NSW and Victoria.
“South Australians have worked extraordinarily hard over the past 19 months,” he said on Tuesday.
“I’m asking them to continue to work hard to make sure we can get to as normal Christmas as possible.
“But there’s got to be some reward for the sacrifices individuals and businesses have made.”
Professor Spurrier reminded residents there was still time to get vaccinated before restrictions eased.
Prior to the announcement, commissioner Stevens said there had been “a lot of work” that went into developing a plan for the state.
“That work has taken on board evidence provided by the Doherty Institute, the good judgment by people involved in the transition committee and it adds to the confidence we need going forward,” he said.
More to come.
Originally published as South Australia’s road map out of the pandemic has finally been revealed
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