Advertisement

SA hopeful of leaving borders open

SA authorities are hopeful the state's borders can remain open despite concern over Omicron.

SA authorities are hopeful the state's borders can remain open despite concern over Omicron. Photo: AAP

South Australian authorities remain “cautiously optimistic” the state’s borders can remain open despite ongoing concern with the new Omicron COVID-19 variant, Police Commissioner Grant Stevens says.

The state’s transition committee met on Tuesday and Mr Stevens says it is still waiting on more information related to the impact of the new strain.

But he said it was hoped the state’s current measures could remain in place, which generally allow all fully-vaccinated travellers from other states and territories into SA with some requirements for testing before departure and on arrival.

“It’s fair to say that we are cautiously optimistic that the current settings we have in place are sufficient,” Mr Stevens told reporters.

“But we do need to ensure people are aware of the fact that this is a new variant and we don’t know really what it means.

“We are watching it closely but we are trying to maintain some consistency in our approach as well.”

SA is yet to confirm a case of the Omicron variant but reported four new Delta cases on Monday.

One was linked to the so-called Norwood cluster taking it to 25, two more were found in interstate travellers and one in a returned overseas traveller.

SA has 45 active infections, all being managed in hotel quarantine.

Mr Stevens said if there was a need to make changes to SA’s restrictions, it was hoped the public could be given as much notice as possible.

He said the situation remained dynamic and the state had to be adaptable to any changing circumstances.

“Our primary obligation is to ensure the safety of the South Australian community,” he said.

“A big part of that is ensuring our health care system is capable of managing people who require medical assistance, whether it be for COVID-19 or any other sickness or injury.”

In response to Omicron, SA has moved to require people coming from NSW, Victoria and the ACT to have a test on arrival as well as a negative test before travelling.

Quarantine requirements for people arriving from overseas have also increased from seven to 14 days.

– 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.