Advertisement

More high-risk sites identified in Adelaide as authorities consider more troops, border rules

Scores of returned travellers quarantining in South Australia are settling in for another 14 days of isolation as Adelaide’s COVID-19 cluster continues to grow.

Surrounding states are tightening their restrictions on travellers coming from SA and Australian Defence Force personnel are preparing to join the 100 troops on the ground.

It comes as the government names more sites connected the outbreak after the state’s Parafield cluster reached 20.

As of its latest update at midnight on Tuesday, SA Health had identified almost 50 potential locations where COVID-19 could have spread.

The department’s most recent update identified the Woodville Pizza Bar as a high-risk location.

Anyone who had eaten in or ordered takeaway from the restaurant between November 6-16 has been told to self-quarantine for two weeks.

Schools, a childcare centre, and a public swimming pool are also among the sites connected to the cluster.

Check the latest here: South Australia Health 

Health authorities are bracing for more cases after they identified another 14 people who are considered at high risk of having the virus.

Meanwhile, returned travellers in quarantine at Peppers Waymouth Hotel, which is the epicentre of the state’s COVID-19 outbreak, have been told they will be moved to another medi-hotel and must start their 14-day isolation again.

“Following a risk assessment of the Peppers Hotel, the Communicable Disease Control Branch has determined the quarantine period of all guests in the hotel needs to be extended by up to 14 days,” a spokesperson said.

“We understand the frustration of the guests and we thank them for their assistance as we take every required step to prioritise the health and safety of all South Australians.”

The spokesperson said it initially phoned guests to inform them of the move. Peppers Waymouth Hotel will be “thoroughly deep cleaned to continue as a medi-hotel in the future”.

People queue at the Parafield Gardens COVID testing centre on Tuesday. Photo: Getty

It’s been confirmed a person who returned from overseas on November 2 and stayed at the medi-hotel in Adelaide had contact with a cleaner who spread the virus to her family and into the community.

The cluster has forced more than 4000 people into quarantine or home isolation, mostly close contacts of confirmed cases.

“This is a very, very worrying situation. I’m not going to underestimate the concern I have about this,” chief public health officer Nicola Spurrier said.

It’s prompted thousands to queue for hours at testing stations with more than 11,000 tests conducted in the state in the past two days.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt encouraged people without symptoms to be checked for coronavirus.

“We are looking for each and every person who might have in any way, shape or form been exposed to come forward,” he said on Tuesday.

Mr Hunt said there were 100 ADF troops on the ground in South Australia, with authorities working out how much extra support was needed.

Restrictions on pubs, restaurants and gyms have come into effect. Photo: AAP

Mr Hunt said states had been advised by the national panel of medical experts to increase screening for arrivals from Adelaide.

But Queensland, the Northern Territory, Tasmania and Western Australia have slammed the gates shut on South Australia.

NSW and Victoria – which marked its 18th day without new coronavirus infections or deaths on Tuesday –  have increased screening for Adelaide arrivals.

The measures could set off another round of clashes between the Morrison government and the states, after senior federal politicians criticised Victoria’s approach to easing its tough restrictions.

-with AAP

Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter
Copyright © 2024 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.