Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 Delta variant in South Australia, Premier Steven Marshall announced a seven-day lockdown for the state, beginning 6pm on Tuesday, 20 July.

Premier Steven Marshall announced on Tuesday South Australia would go into lockdown from 6pm.

The lockdown will last at least seven days.

A severe increase in restrictions had already come into place at midnight before the announcement, but a fifth coronavirus case linked to the Modbury outbreak prompted the lockdown.

From 6pm on Tuesday, there are just five reasons South Australians will be allowed to leave their homes:

—care and compassion reasons;
—essential work;
—the purchasing of essential goods;
—medical reasons, including vaccinations and testing;
—exercise, for a maximum of 90 minutes a day within 2.5km of your home and only with members of your household.

South Australians leaving their homes must wear a face mask.

If you don’t own a reusable mask, CityMag has listed a range of local makers from whom you can purchase one.

Pubs, restaurants and cafés can trade, but can only offer takeaway.

Universities and non-essential shops and services have been ordered to close, and construction and non-urgent elective surgery will be halted for the seven-day lockdown.

Schools have been ordered to close, but will remain open for the children of essential workers.

Weddings and funerals have been banned, and churches and places of worship are also closed, except for online services.

Interstate and regional travel is prohibited, and fly-in, fly-out workers are on hold.

Supermarkets, takeaway shops, bottle shops, medical services, petrol stations, post offices, banks, some childcare centres, vets and factories for essential goods are among businesses that are allowed to remain open.

Public transport, the airport and essential freight will also continue to operate.

By entering into lockdown, affected South Australian businesses will be entitled to the same Federal Government support offered in Victoria and New South Wales.

State Treasurer Rob Lucas also announced a financial support plan from the State Government.

In the meantime, South Australians are urged to get tested if they develop any COVID-19 symptoms. Find your nearest testing site here.

For updated information on South Australia exposure sites, see SA Health’s contact tracing page.

And for the latest reporting on coronavirus in South Australia and the Modbury outbreak, keep an eye on InDaily.

If the COVID-19 news cycle is affecting your mental health and wellbeing, call the SA COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line on 1800 632 753.