South Australia has thrown open its borders to travellers from New Zealand, after five Kiwis arrived unexpectedly at Adelaide Airport on Sunday and were put into hotel quarantine.
SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said New Zealanders would now be able to travel to the state – as long as they have not transited through Victoria – without quarantine conditions, and 12 Kiwis currently in quarantine would now be released into the wild.
“I’m pleased to be able to announce with New Zealand people arriving in SA, they will no longer be required to quarantine,” he said.
“We’re also happy to receive direct flights from New Zealand.”
The Police chief also announced an easing of border measures with Victoria.
From Saturday, the reasons for travellers from Victoria to enter South Australia will be expanded to include students returning to South Australia after studying in Victoria; people relocating to South Australia permanently providing criteria around accommodation can be met; people relocating to South Australia for work purposes providing criteria around accommodation and a contract for employment in SA can be met; and people passing through South Australia, for example, driving to Western Australia or the Northern Territory providing they will be allowed entry into that state on arrival.
The rules have also changed for Victorian residents who live within 70km of the South Australian border.
Border community residents will now be able to enter South Australia for any reason, provided they do not go further than 70km into South Australia from the Victorian border.  They will also be permitted to travel up and down the border in that corridor beyond 70kms, the Commissioner announced.
“It is acknowledged that many restrictions still apply, but they are critical in dealing with the spread of COVID-19,” he said.
All existing directions, frequently asked questions and other information can be found here: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/emergency-declarations
