COVID-19 jab no longer required for SA cross-border residents

People living within the South Australia-Victoria border bubble communities say they are confused by conflicting messages about the need to be vaccinated for COVID-19 in updated crossing requirements.

On Friday, SAPOL released an updated Cross Border Travel Associated Direction that amended testing and vaccination requirements for travellers passing through the state from restricted locations.

The directions stated essential travellers coming from the ACT, New South Wales, and Victoria would be required to have at least one dose of a COVID vaccine in order to enter South Australia from September 24.

SAPOL confirmed the direction would apply to cross-border community members within the 70-kilometre buffer zone.

That direction has now been amended, revoking that requirement for cross-border community members. 

A police spokesperson could not rule out any further changes.

“Future changes may require cross-border community members and permitted arrivals to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before arriving in South Australia,” the spokesperson said.

‘Taking every step’ to protect SA

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens told Monday’s ABC South East breakfast program he would seek clarity over who was included in the direction, which was a requirement requested by SA Health.

“Given the severe situation in New South Wales and obviously what is emerging in Victoria, we are taking every step we can to protect the South Australian community,” Commissioner Stevens said.

“People who are escaping domestic violence are not subject to this requirement. We will have a special process to support those people as they come into South Australia.”

Paula Gust, who runs the Cross Border Call Out Facebook page, said she was frustrated by the confusing communication about the border bubble changes.

“I’m pretty annoyed with it all — the lack of consideration, or lack of communication,” Ms Gust said.

“I think we’re treated as if irrelevant, and that this is going to be a huge deal. There’s a hell of a lot of anger.”