Release date: 22/04/22

Close contacts of COVID cases will no longer have to quarantine from the end of next week, in an important easing of South Australia’s COVID restrictions.

The change was agreed at today’s Emergency Management Council meeting, chaired by Premier Peter Malinauskas, with State Co-ordinator Grant Stevens and Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier.

Amending close contact rules will keep South Australia in line with changes to restrictions in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland and maintain the State Government’s objective of national consistency.

However, given that close contacts are at higher risk of developing COVID-19, the following rules will be in place from 12.01am on Saturday, April 30, for close contacts and will apply for a period of 7-days following the close contact’s exposure:

  • Undertake 5 Rapid Antigen Tests during the 7-day period
  • Wear masks when leaving the house
  • Prohibited from high-risk settings
  • Notify employers and educational facilities of their close contact status

Close contacts should also:

  • Avoid non-essential gatherings
  • Avoid contact with people at risk of severe illness

If a close contact develops symptoms, they are required to undertake a PCR test and isolate until they receive a result.

People who test positive to COVID will still be required to quarantine for seven days, as per existing rules.

Introducing this change on April 30 means it will be two weeks following the removal of mask mandates across South Australia.


Quotes

Attributable to Premier Peter Malinauskas

This is an important easing of COVID restrictions which will be welcome news for workers, businesses and families across South Australia.

This change is recognition of a continuing improvement in the COVID situation in South Australia and a well-earned reward for the hundreds of South Australians who have made significant sacrifices over the past two years.

My government is determined to ensure South Australia’s COVID restrictions remain consistent with those across the country where it is safe to do so.