It is imperative that we work together to ‘flatten the curve’ and reduce the impact of COVID-19 within South Australia
In order to do this Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, in his role as the State Coordinator under the Emergency Management Act, has made a new direction in relation to wineries, cellar doors, breweries and distilleries.
Police Commissioner Grant Stevens:
Our call to the South Australian community to stay home over the Easter long weekend was heard loud and clear. The positive response to these calls to is to be applauded.
Thousands of South Australians chose not to travel this Easter. Our holiday destinations were quiet as everyone played a role in slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Across metropolitan Adelaide, the hills and nearby wine districts, people limited their outings and abided by the social distancing principles.
Businesses that would normally be servicing day visitors remained closed or operated in a restricted way.
The restrictions put into place over the last month have been aimed at reducing the introduction of cases into South Australia and slowing the spread of the disease.
A few weeks ago a cluster was identified in the Barossa Valley. Investigations revealed that international tourists from the USA and Switzerland carrying the virus had visited wineries. The virus spread into the local population. Sadly, a local man succumbed to the disease two weeks ago.
The need for swift action in response to the outbreak was critical and we have seen the tragic consequences of delay in other jurisdictions.
In response to the identification of that cluster, we placed additional restrictions on wineries and cellar doors across the State. Over 1,000 wineries across South Australia have been closed to the public since that time, with their trade restricted to on line sales and delivery of purchases. No patrons have been permitted to attend these premises.
This was not a decision taken lightly and I know this has had a significant impact on those businesses and their employees.
The wine industry is to be commended for a great job in complying with the restrictions. The restrictions were combined with a number of other measures and it would appear that the spread of the disease in the Barossa has been mitigated.
I acknowledge that all restrictions in place are onerous and are impacting on the community as a whole. These restrictions are being continuously reviewed and updated regularly.
Due to travel restrictions including South Australian border controls, international and interstate arrivals have dwindled. Quarantine requirements for arriving travellers are having a positive impact in reducing the spread of the virus. We have seen very small numbers of new cases over the long weekend and yesterday.
Having consulted with the Chief Public Health Officer, I have reviewed the restrictions in place for the wine industry and have decided that cellar doors across South Australia can re-open for limited trading.
From today, wineries will be permitted to sell their produce from cellar doors on a take away basis. However, they will not be permitted to conduct tastings or provide meals in or on the premises.
While this may be seen as a very small concession, it is important that we maintain a balanced approach to our response to the challenges this pandemic poses.
This change puts wineries on the same footing as hotels, restaurants and cafes across the state. Many wineries are able to provide take away meals in addition to wine and specialty goods.
Like other businesses, they will still be subject to the 10 person gathering restrictions, social distancing rules and compliance to these obligations will be monitored as they are for every other business impacted by the directions made under this Major Emergency Declaration.
On Thursday evening two businesses in the Adelaide Hills were given specific directions which brought them into line with wineries and cellar doors to reduce the likelihood that day trippers would travel into the Adelaide hills and increase the risk that the disease would be spread.
As a consequence of our assessment relative to wineries the restrictions placed on those two businesses have also been lifted.
The lifting of the restrictions on the wine industry is a very small step but we are doing this based on the advice of the Chief Public Health Officer and an assessment of the current risks associated with cellar doors.
The amendment to the direction for the wine industry has been made as a result of a range of factors that do not have the same impact on other restrictions.
As I have stated, the directions in place are the subject of continuous review. There is no intention at this time to relax or revoke any other directions.
Additionally we recognise the responsible attitude of South Australians who clearly understand the need to slow the spread of this disease and are doing their part.
Commissioner Grant Stevens
State Coordinator
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 seven days a week or go to the SA Health website at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au or www.sa.gov.au/covid-19
