SA eases restrictions - Victoria border to open & QR code removes patron caps
Terrific news today with confirmation that the border restrictions with Victoria will be lifted next week – perfectly timed for South Australia to welcome our biggest domestic market in the lead-up to Christmas and the summer holiday season.
Premier Steven Marshall announced today several changes that will apply from 1 December, including the complete removal of all restrictions around the Victorian/South Australian border. This is certainly what we were all hoping for and opens the door to our $1 Billion Victorian visitor market.
We have plenty of activity planned for next week to celebrate this and are already advertising in the Victorian market to showcase our great state. The SATC is also active in NSW, ACT and the Northern Territory – it is important we continue to highlight our incredible and unique tourism products, and my team has been doing a lot of work behind-the-scenes to make sure we were ready for this day.
Some of the key changes announced today that may impact your business include changes to patron caps and density arrangements, details on functions and more advice regarding QR codes.
Effective 12.01am Tuesday 1 December 2020:
- No patron cap for licensed businesses provided there is QR code scanning in operation
- Indoors: 1 person per 4 sqm density arrangements and seated alcohol consumption
- Outdoors: 1 person per 2 sqm density arrangements, with standing alcohol consumption allowed
- Cap increased for funerals and private functions to 150
- Cap on wedding remains at 150, with dancing and vertical drinking allowed
- Home gatherings remain at a maximum of 10 people
- Gatherings of over 1000 people and nightclubs require a COVID Management Plan approved through SA Health.
For the full list of updated changes, see here. These restrictions will apply for two weeks and be reviewed, as usual and as appropriate.
There was also some more details about the planning for the introduction of the QR code system next week. Businesses with a COVID-Safe Plan will receive a new COVID-Safe Plan via email that includes a QR code to print off and use in your business.
Consumers are being encouraged to download the free mySA GOV app, which will enable the COVID-Safe check-in and scanning.
A paper recording log will be available to businesses as a back-up, should customers not have a compatible mobile phone. Data will be kept by SA Health for official contact tracing purposes for 28 days.
It is certainly pleasing to see we are heading in the right direction, and great news that we have recorded no new cases today. I thank everyone for helping get us to this position. We can now look forward to heading into the Christmas break with more clarity, and under the directions prescribed in our new COVID normal.
As always, I will continue to keep you updated on news that impacts our sector.
Thank you,
Rodney Harrex
Chief Executive