SA ends isolation for close contacts

SOUTH Australia will banish its Covid-19 close contact rules next week, bringing its restrictions in line with eastern states.

Premier Peter Malinauskas announced on Friday the changes would come into effect at 12.01am on April 30.

It means close contacts of infected cases will no longer need to quarantine for seven days.

But they will need to wear a mask when they leave the home, complete five rapid antigen tests within seven days and are prohibited from highrisk settings such as hospitals and aged care facilities.

If a close contact develops symptoms, they must undertake a PCR test and isolate until they receive their result.

Those who test positive will still be required to quarantine for seven days.

“Although it is a big relief for many in our community, we can provide assurance to others that it’s being done in a safe way that can be managed,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“This will be a big relief for small business owners and workers across the state.”

He said those deemed a close contact at any time before the cut off date would still need to isolate, but would be able to leave as soon as the rules change next Friday.

They would also need to produce a negative RAT.

Chief public health officer Nicola Spurrier urged people who were close contacts to work from home when possible and use their common sense when leaving the home and around others.

“When you don’t have to be in quarantine, you need to be very mindful you could be developing the infection,” Professor Spurrier said.

Earlier this week, NSW, Victoria and Queensland all removed their close contact rules.