Emergency Management (Exposure Sites, Contacts and Diagnosis Requirements)(COVID-19) Direction 2021 has been created and replaces the Emergency Management (COVID-19) (Exposure Site Requirements No 2) Direction 2021 and Emergency Management (COVID-19) (Isolation following Diagnosis or Close Contact) Direction 2021. This Direction came into effect at 4.45pm on 22 December 2021.
This Direction outlines the testing and quarantine requirements of people who have been diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19, and those they live with.
A person diagnosed with COVID-19 must:
- Isolate in a place, or places, directed by an authorised officer for the duration directed by that authorised officer
- Comply with requirements outlined by a medical practitioner To get to the place they are isolating they must travel on the most direct and practical route, remain there isolated from other people except if they need to obtain urgent medical care or in any other emergency situation If leaving the premises for a reason listed above you must wear a mask and if having a COVID-19 test travel directly to the site and inform the person performing the test that you are COVID-19 positive.
- Take reasonable steps to ensure no other person enters the place, unless they too are isolating or quarantining, providing care or for medical or emergency purposes.
The following requirements must be undertaken by anyone known to be a casual or close contact to someone with COVID-19.
Casual contact | Vaccinated close contact | Unvaccinated close contact | |
Quarantine requirements | Quarantine Specified period: until first negative test result | Quarantine Specified period: 7 days from last exposure date (subject to negative test result on day 6) Or if notified more than 7 days after last exposure date: Quarantine Specified period: until first negative test result | Quarantine Specified period: 14 days from last exposure date (subject to negative test result on day 13) Or if notified more than 14 days after last exposure date: Quarantine Specified period: until first negative test result |
Testing requirements | COVID-19 testing Specified times: immediately upon notification; and on the 6th day after exposure; and on the 13th day after exposure; and immediately upon developing symptoms | COVID-19 testing Specified times: immediately upon notification; and on the 6th day after exposure; and on the 13th day after exposure; and immediately upon developing symptoms | COVID-19 testing Specified times: immediately upon notification; and on the 6th day after exposure; and on the 13th day after exposure; and immediately upon developing symptoms |
Other requirements | Wear surgical mask when around others at all times General precautions Avoid contact with vulnerable people (elderly, pregnant, people with chronic health conditions) Avoid non-essential activities where possible Avoid shared spaces and maintain physical distancing Specified period: 14 days after last exposure date | Wear surgical mask when around others at all times Do not attend COVID Management Plan events Do not enter a high-risk setting (hospitals, aged care) except for essential reasons General precautions Avoid non-essential activities Avoid contact with vulnerable people (elderly, pregnant, people with chronic health conditions) Avoid shared spaces and maintain physical distancing Specified period: Between day 8-14 after last exposure date |
The following rules relate to household close contacts:
Vaccinated close contact | Unvaccinated close contact | Unvaccinated close contact under 12 years | |
Vaccinated household member | COVID-19 testing Specified times: immediately upon notification; and on the 6th day after exposure; and immediately upon developing symptoms | Quarantine Specified period: 7 days from last exposure date (subject to negative test result on day 6) Or if notified more than 7 days after last exposure date: Quarantine Specified period: until first negative test result COVID-19 testing Specified times: immediately upon notification; and on the 6th day after exposure; and * immediately upon developing symptoms | COVID-19 testing Specified times: immediately upon notification; and on the 6th day after exposure; and immediately upon developing symptoms |
Unvaccinated household member | same requirements as vaccinated close contact | same requirements as unvaccinated close contact | same requirements as unvaccinated close contact under 12 years |
Noting: A person who was notified that they were at an exposure site 7 days after their exposure is required to have get 1 COVID-19 test and are required to isolate until you receive a negative test result. If you are vaccinated there is no further isolation requirement. If you are unvaccinated you are required to isolate for 14 days after the date of the exposure.
A person who was notified that they were at an exposure site 5 days after their exposure must have a COVID-19 test on day 1 (when you find out), day 8 and on day 13. If vaccinated you are required to isolate for 7 days. If unvaccinated you are required to isolate for 14 days after the date of the exposure.
A person who was notified that they were at an exposure site 11 days after their exposure must have a day 1 test and is not required to have a day 13 test. If you are vaccinated you are required to isolate until you receive a negative test result. If you are vaccinated there is no further isolation requirement. If you are unvaccinated you are required to isolate for 14 days after the date of the exposure.
The information above only highlights the key changes made to the Directions and does not reflect all requirements. Members of the public are encouraged to see the full Directions for further information.
All existing directions, frequently asked questions and other information can be found here: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/emergency-declarations
If you require further information you can call the SA COVID-19 Information Line on 1800 253 787 between the hours of 8am to 8pm 7 days per week or go to the SA Health website at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au or www.sa.gov.au/covid-19
