Although the one-person-per-two-square-metres rule is still in place, the South Australian Transition Committee is slowly inching the state towards a New Year COVID-19 normal, with the 'vertical consumption' of booze back on the table from Monday.

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“This is what people have been waiting for,” Premier Steven Marshall said this afternoon, a smile plastered on his face.

The Premier, alongside Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier and Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, announced as of Monday, 14 December, South Australians will be allowed to stand and consume alcohol in hospitality venues, such as pubs, nightclubs and restaurants.

Play gyms can also resume trade as normal from Monday, and gyms will be allowed to accommodate one person per two square metres.

Just in time for Christmas lunch, home gatherings have been increased to 50 people, while weddings and funerals will now be allowed 200 guests.

“South Australia has continued to do well following the advice of SAPOL and SA Health,” the Premier told reporters this afternoon. “We have been able to keep the Parafield cluster under control.”

Working from home will no longer be encouraged from next Monday, but the compulsory use of QR code technology will expand into retail outlets.

Masks will only be mandatory for those working in vulnerable, high-risk settings, such as aged care facilities or hospitals, and will no longer be encouraged on public transport.

Nicola Spurrier emphasised that while it is businesses’ responsibility to display QR code signs clearly, it’s up to you – yes you, retail shopper or hospitality lover – to make sure you scan the code every. Dang. Time.

“It’s fine that venues are complying with it but it’s also up to every South Australia to do their check-in,” Spurrier said.

The Professor also added that despite South Australia currently having no active cases of COVID-19 (as of 9am this morning), and the Parafield cluster being all but busted, the virus continues to exist as a potential threat. So stay vigilant and stay sanitised.

If you are exhibiting even the mildest of COVID-19 symptoms, make your way to a testing site.

Be safe, folks.