With the announcement that South Australia has opened its borders with New South Wales from Friday 25 September 2020, it is perhaps timely to clarify what these changes means for heavy vehicle operators.
All Commercial Transport and Freight Services Essential Travellers (Essential Travellers) into SA are still required to complete a cross border registration form at least 72 hours prior to arrival.
Essential Travellers passing through Victoria must keep records of travel, have documentation from their employer and have evidence of, or undertake, a COVID-19 test within last 7 days or, as directed by an Authorised Officer, undertake a test within 24 hours on entering SA.
Essential Travellers approved to enter SA from Victoria must also keep records of travel, have documentation from their employer and have evidence of, or undertake, a COVID-19 test within last seven days or, as directed by an Authorised Officer (e.g. Police Officer), undertake a test within 24 hours on entering SA.
All Essential Travellers who are residents of Victoria must wear a face mask when entering SA and self-quarantine in their truck or other private arrangements when not undertaking work-related duties. This is not a requirement for Essential Travellers who are not Victorian residents.
It is important that you obtain and keep proof of testing, e.g. receipt, text or photo, to show an Authorised Officer if requested.
Please be aware that Authorised Officers at the border note whether evidence of a test was sighted or a direction to obtain a test was given for those travellers who have come from, or passed through, Victoria. If directed to a testing site you can use the referral form you received at the border to attend a drive-through testing clinic.
There is no requirement for asymptomatic Essential Travellers to self-quarantine while waiting for test results.
SA Pathology’s mobile collection services provide free COVID-19 testing for interstate truck drivers requiring swabs. No booking is required.
Testing sites are located at:
- Bordertown
- Border Site, Dukes Highway. Open 8.00 am to 4.00 pm, 7 days per week.
- Mount Gambier
- Border Site, Princes Highway. Open 8.00 am to 4.00 pm, 7 days per week.
- Mount Gambier Showgrounds, Pick Avenue, Mount Gambier. Open 8.00 am to 4.00 pm, 7 days per week.
- Yamba
- Yamba Quarantine Station, National Highway, A20. Open 7.00 am to 7.00 pm, 7 days per week.
- Tailem Bend
- Caltex Service Station, 8786 Princes Hwy. Open 8.00 am to 4.00 pm, 7 days per week.
- Port Augusta
- Puma Port Augusta Truckstop, Lot 8, National Highway 1. Open 8.00 am – 11.00 pm, 7 days per week.
The testing site hours of operation may vary depending upon staffing availability.
