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Health

South Australia committed to July 20 date for border reopening despite spike in Victorian virus cases

South Australia's remaining border restrictions are still on track to lift on July 20, despite the recent spike of coronavirus cases in Victoria.

The State Government's commitment comes as it prepares for up to 25 new cases when international travellers return to Adelaide this weekend.

Premier Steven Marshall said the state would move toward a model of restricting travel from "identified hotspots" rather than blanket restrictions by state or territory.

"We remain committed to opening up state borders on July 20," he said on Friday.

"We will continue to closely monitor what is happening in Victoria but we do have confidence that they will be able to get on top of these clusters that are there at the moment."

Following a meeting of national cabinet, Mr Marshall said states had agreed to continue lifting restrictions while embarking on a "suppression" rather than "elimination" approach.

Victoria today recorded 30 new coronavirus cases — a double-digit increase for the tenth consecutive day.

The Government had previously said plans to lift restrictions by July 20 would be pushed back "if the situation doesn't change".

The mandatory two-week quarantine has already been waived for travellers from Western Australia, Queensland, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.

Mr Marshall said the state transition committee would next would look at how to manage travellers from border towns.

"We'll look very closely at the ACT, New South Wales, we'll also look more specifically at Broken Hill and Western Victoria," he said.

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens says strict controls will remain in place at the Victorian border for as long as they are required.

"Vulnerable areas are going to be a challenge for us and that's something we'll be watching before we actually make that decision to lift all border restrictions," he said.

"If we're starting to consider safe zones in different jurisdictions then we'll have a mechanism to ask specific questions of people in relation to their movement around that safe zone."

Commissioner Stevens said those coming from interstate will need pre-approval online to cross the border as an essential traveller from next week.

The Government said earlier this week that extra police would be sent to border checkpoints in the east, despite plans to further ease social distancing measures.

State prepares for new cases

Health Minister Stephen Wade said the state could expect new cases when about 300 returning Australians arrive in Adelaide this weekend.

"In terms of what we're seeing interstate, about five to 10 per cent of travellers recently returned from the subcontinent have tested positive on their arrival in Australia," he said.

"So, if we were to see similar figures here in South Australia, we could expect up to 25 cases coming from these planes."

The Minister said the travellers would be tested on arrival in Australia and as they come out of the quarantine.

"They will be supervised from end to end," he said.

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