This is a short e-news to update you on restrictions that are being lifted in South Australia today and to give information to local Agricultural Societies who have not been able to go ahead with planned shows due to COVID-19.
As of today the density requirements for all defined public activities will be 1 person per 2 square metres.
There will be no maximum limit per room providing businesses adhere to the 2 square metre density requirement.
The relaxing of rules is great news for regional businesses but we cannot become complacent! The Victorian experience shows the pandemic is not over, it is subdued. We are in the same position as February, few cases, no vaccine and, if we do not follow the rules, the ability for the virus to rebound quickly remains.
- Not all border-crossing arrangements are mutual. Make sure you research restrictions in other states before planning any interstate travel.The Healthdirect Australia Restriction Checker has advice on what restrictions are in place in each state and territory across Australia.
Electronic Cross Border Process – SAPOL website information:
People wishing to enter South Australia will soon be able to apply for pre-approval prior to reaching South Australia’s borders.
The online form will be launched on Wednesday 1 July, as part of new measures to streamline processes and provide more certainty for cross border travellers before they reach the border.
The online application form can be accessed from Wednesday via sa.gov.au or the SA Police website and it is anticipated that applicants will receive a response to their application within 72 hours.
Any individual who intends to visit or return to the state should complete the online form prior to arriving in South Australia, regardless of the location they are travelling from. The pre-approval process will identify whether the person is an essential traveller, needs to self-quarantine or is able to travel without restrictions.
Those who have completed the form and have been granted pre-approval will receive a return email with the results and a unique reference number which will need to be presented to the border patrol on arrival.
Further information, including links to an instructional video explaining the new form will be available in the coming days at www.covid-19.sa.gov.au.
https://www.police.sa.gov.au/sa-police-news-assets/front-page-news/electronic-cross-border-process
COVID Safe Plans
Do I need a COVID-Safe Plan?
COVID-Safe Plans will continue to be required for defined public activities. Those with an existing COVID-Safe Plan do not need to complete a new plan and will be emailed an updated plan before 29 June.
Businesses and defined public activities that do not currently have a COVID-Safe Plan must complete a plan before they can commence. A new plan is available on the sa.gov.au website.
What is a defined public activity?
A defined public activity means:
- onsite purchase and consumption of food or beverages (whether occurring in an indoor or outdoor area);
- sport (including sports training), fitness or recreation activities;
- indoor public meetings;
- ceremonies;
- provision of personal care services;
- provision of public entertainment;
- provision of recreational transport;
- the operation of relevant licensed premises;
- the operation of a casino or gaming area (within the meaning of the Gaming Machines Act 1992);
- auctions and inspections of premises for the purpose of sale or rental of any property; or
- driver instruction
COVID Management Plans
A COVID Management Plan is for higher risk activities and for larger crowds and it requires approval by SA Health before you can undertake the activity.
A specific mailbox will be established, but first it’s important to clarify who is required to do one. Most activities will only need a COVID-Safe Plan.
When there are more than 1,000 people (excluding staff) on site at your business, venue, activity or gathering, you must complete a COVID Management Plan and have this Plan approved by SA Health.
Or, when both dancing and consumption of alcohol is facilitated at the premises, you must complete a COVID Management Plan.
For detailed information see the Step 3 Frequently Asked Question Document here.
All South Australians need to play their part to keep South Australia COVID safe:
- If you have COVID-19 symptoms, even if mild, get tested.
- Wash/sanitise your hands regularly.
- Avoid close contact with others.
- Wipe down frequently touched surfaces.
- Download the COVIDSafe app.
Does the 1.5 metre rule still apply?
Yes. We strongly encourage people and businesses to practice physical distancing of 1.5 metres wherever and whenever possible.
Source: www.covid-19.sa.gov.au
$36 MILLION FOR OUR AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITIES
THE SHOWS WILL GO ON
The Australian Government is spending $36 million to support agricultural show societies recover from the effects of COVID-19, ensuring they can continue after the pandemic.
The Supporting Agricultural Shows program will provide a one-off reimbursement to agricultural show societies to deal with cash flow pressures caused by COVID-19 related cancellation of agricultural shows.
The $36 million Supporting Agricultural Shows program comprises three components:
- $10 million in operational support for local show societies. Shows will be able to claim up to $10,000 if their attendance last year was less than 2,000, up to $15,000 if their attendance was between 2,000 and 4,999 and up to $70,000 if their attendance was over 5,000.
- $26 million in operational support for Royal Agricultural Show societies which can additionally claim for unrecoverable costs associated with preparing for the cancelled show.
- $100,000 in operational support for Agricultural Shows Australia’s Rural ambassador program.
All agricultural shows that have cancelled their show in 2020 because of COVID-19 will be eligible and they will not have to compete for assistance.
Eligible reimbursement costs are expected to include: Bank fees, utilities, rates, insurance, fire alarms and equipment, cleaning supplies, telecommunications, IT system licencing costs, website costs, state/national show body affiliation fees and rent.
This is fantastic news for the many hardworking show society volunteers who because of COVID-19 were unable to stage a show for their communities this year.
The Government is reimbursing shows for costs incurred in 2020 and funds will be paid in 2021.
Please ask the secretary of your show society to email my office with contact details so we can keep you informed on how to apply.
Reminder of Key Resources
Federal Government updates – www.australia.gov.au
This website is regularly updated to give you the latest Coronavirus news, updates and advice from government agencies across Australia.
Economic Assistance – www.treasury.gov.au
All the fact sheets on individual and business economic assistance measures are available here.
Business Support – www.business.gov.au or call 13 28 46
Find financial assistance, eligibility and timing for the new government support for Australian businesses.
COVIDSAFE APP
Over 6 million Australians have downloaded the App, if you are able to and haven’t yet, I encourage you to take a couple of minutes to download it.
For more information about the App visit: www.covidsafe.gov.au
If you have any feedback or questions please don’t hesitate to reply to this email or give one of my offices a call on the phone numbers listed below. I always welcome residents’ feedback.
Yours sincerely
Rowan Ramsey MP
Federal Member for Grey