No new cases of coronavirus have been reported in SA for seven days, causing authorities to start considering the ease of travel restrictions within the state.
The news comes towards the end of an intensive two-week testing attack, which ends tomorrow, and has seen the deployment of more than 15 000 tests in the area.
SA Chief Public Health Officer, Dr Nicola Spurrier, told ABC News the outcome is a “landmark” for South Australia.
“This is a landmark for us, we have gone a whole week now without any cases of COVID-19 in South Australia.”
“That puts us in a very, very strong position, particularly with the high rates of testing.”
“A big thank you to all South Australians who have come forward … and been tested.”
According to Dr Spurrier, a meeting will soon be held with South Australian regional leaders to discuss a plan for lifting travel restrictions.
“It is important that we engage with the mayors and the communities in those parts of South Australia because of the sensitivities of keeping all of our communities safe.
“People in my team are reaching out to put a meeting in place so that we can get that information,” Dr Spurrier said.
Reopening local schools and businesses
Schools in the region will start opening over the next few days with Barossa Valley primary school opening its door again today.
This comes after a month-long shut down of local schools.
Julian Helbig, principal at St Jakobi Lutheran School, told ABC News his students were excited to get back to classes.
“Real kick in the step, it’s been lonely here, working away and walking around the yard during the day. Even our resident magpies were like ‘where is everyone’, it’s just great to see everyone back,” he said.
