Who does the Exposure Sites, Contacts and Diagnosis Requirements Direction apply to?

The direction applies to any person who:

• has been present at an exposure site during an exposure period; or
• is a close contact of a COVID-19 case; or
• has been notified that they are a COVID-19 case.

For the avoidance of doubt, this direction applies to a person whether or not they have received a notification in writing (including by SMS) from SA Health that they are a close contact or were at an exposure site during an exposure period.

What are the requirements for people who are directed to isolate in a COVID Accommodation Support Centre?

People who are directed by an authorised officer to isolate in a COVID Accommodation Support Centre (ACS) need to:

• remain in the COVID Accommodation Support Centre and follow all reasonable directions from an authorised officer, until completion of the required isolation period; and
• comply with the requirements prescribed on the SA Health website if they are discharged from an ACS and advised by a medical practitioner or authorised officer to continue to isolate or quarantine elsewhere.

What is deemed close contact between a person and COVID-19 case?

Close contact means:

• a person who is a household member or an intimate partner of a COVID-19 case during their relevant period;
• a person who has had close personal interaction with a COVID-19 case for a cumulative period of 4 hours or more during their relevant period; or
• a person who has been notified by SA Heath that they are a close contact with a COVID-19 case; or
• a person who has been at an exposure site during the exposure period for that site.

What is the definition of a household member?

A household member of a COVID-19 case means any member of the house of a COVID-19 case, being a person regularly living in the house (or houses if they live in more than one) of the COVID-19 case.

At what time am I deemed “notified” that I am a close contact or diagnosed with COVID-19?

A person has been notified that they are a close contact or diagnosed with COVID-19, as the case may be, upon:

• returning a positive COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test
• receiving notice in writing (including by SMS) by SA Health; or
• receiving notice in writing (including by SMS) by SA Pathology; or
• receiving notice in writing (including by SMS) by a private pathology laboratory; or
• the relevant exposure site being published on the SA Health website; or
• receiving telephone contact by SA Health; or
• becoming aware that they are a close contact of a COVID-19 case;

whichever is earlier.

How long do I have to quarantine if I have COVID-19?

If you have COVID-19, you reside and remain quarantine for a period of 7 days after your first positive COVID-19 test result.

What if I work in a specialised industry or workplace?

Chief Public Health Officer may have given your specified workplace or industry has different requirements isolation, testing and reporting requirements. If this is the case you also need to have approval from a nominated officer.

In that case you have to comply with approved protocol when attending your workplace or work function and when you’re not at work you have to comply with the usual isolation, testing and reporting requirements.

Can I get a Rapid Antigen Test instead of a PCR test?

Yes.

Can I leave quarantine to pick up a Rapid Antigen Test?

Yes but only from a rapid antigen collection point designated on the SA Health website, You must register via the SA Health website to collect a Point of Care Rapid Antigen Test.

Can I sell a Rapid Antigen Test I get from a pick up point?

No, these must only be used to comply with this Direction.

Can I give the Rapid Antigen Test I get from a pick-up point to someone else to use?

No, these must only be used by the registered persons

Can I pick up Rapid Antigen Tests for my family?

Yes. Once registered to collect Rapid Antigen Tests one person can present the proof of registration and collect tests for all registered family members.

Can I pick up additional Rapid Antigen Tests for future use?

You will be given two Rapid Antigen Tests to ensure you comply with this Direction - you cannot stockpile these tests. If your result is invalid and you do not have another Rapid Antigen Test you may attend a COVID-19 PCR testing site to comply with testing requirements.

Do I have to report the results of my rapid antigen tests?

If you test positive using a rapid antigen test, you must report your result within 24 hours. You must report your positive result if you get your test through a designated RAT Collection Point, from a retail outlet or through any other means. You can also report negative and invalid test results to help provide a full picture of rates of COVID-19 testing in the state.

For more information and to report your result, visit https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVIDtesting

What are the requirements that apply to a close contact of COVID-19 case?

These are outlined on the SA Health website.

I am a close contact and was doing the required 7 days of quarantine. With the new changes, can I now leave quarantine?

Yes, you may leave quarantine if you produce a negative COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test result.

If I have had COVID-19, how long will I not be deemed a close contact?

If you have recovered from COVID-19, you will not be deemed a close contact for 12 weeks.

I am required to quarantine, but I need to take my pet for urgent treatment at the vet. Can I do this?

Yes, you can take your pet for urgent medical treatment at the vet. You must ensure that you wear a mask and maintain physical distancing where possible.