Updated COVID-19 Directions 2020- Residential Aged Care No 15, South Australia

Updates have been made to the Residential Aged Care Direction in South Australia.

The Emergency Management (Residential Aged Care Facilities No 14) (COVID-19) Direction 2020 has been revoked and replaced by the Emergency Management (Residential Aged Care Facilities No 15) (COVID-19) Direction 2020. This new Direction comes into effect as 12:01am on Tuesday 1 December 2020.

The following changes have been made to the Residential Aged Care Direction in South Australia:

  • People who are travelling from a Low Community Transmission zone ( SA, ACT, NSW, NZ, NT, QLD, TAS, VIC, WA) or who were previously a Cross Border Community Member are now permitted to enter the Residential Aged Care Facility providing they comply with the following:
    • Must not have been in a place other than a Low Community Transmission Zone for the previous 14 days;
    • Must have received the 2020 seasonal influenza vaccine (unless exempt as per the Direction);
    • Must not have a temperature higher than 38 degrees Celsius, have a history of fever or chills in the preceding 72 hours, symptoms of acute respiratory infection or loss of taste and smell; and
    • Must not be awaiting a COVID-19 test result (other than in accordance with routine surveillance testing of asymptomatic persons).
  • All people who are at a Residential Aged Care Facility (other than resident or child under 12 years of age) must wear a single use surgical mask which covers their mouth and nose at all times when in the presence of other people (unless they are eating or drinking).
  • A person working at a Prescribed Residential Aged Care Facility with a confirmed case of COVID-19 must not attend any other place of employment during that time. This does not apply to those attending in an emergency as either as emergency management or law enforcement.

The information above only highlights the changes key made and does not reflect all requirements under the Residential Aged Care Facilities No 14. Members of the public and Essential Travellers are encouraged to see the full direction 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 9am to 5pm 7 days per week or go to the SA Health website at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au or www.sa.gov.au/covid-19

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