The state government has announced new restrictions in response to ongoing concerns over Victoria’s COVID-19 outbreak.

From Friday, 21 August “COVID-19 Safe Marshals” will be required in any business “where people congregate” such as licensed venues, cafes, restaurants, large shopping centres and gyms.

Police commissioner Grant Stevens said in a press conference staff appointed marshals must be “readily identifiable” and be on the premises to provide support and assistance to patrons.

“The purpose for this is to ensure that people are reminded of their social distancing obligations, hygiene facilities are properly maintained, and people are held to account for non-compliance,” Stevens said.

“This is an important step that enables us to maintain the current levels of  distancing obligations that we have on businesses, allowing them to remain at one person per two square meters, as opposed to having to introduce tighter restrictions or caps that would inhibit their ability  to trade.”

The state will also remove education, shopping, obtaining petrol and medical supplies and care from the list of reasons Victorians can enter South Australia from Friday, 21 August.

“The current restrictions we have in relation to people entering South Australia from Victoria allows people who live in a close cross-border community to enter South Australia with an approval to undertake a range of different activities, including shopping, obtaining supplies, providing care or receiving care, education and employment,” Stevens said.

“As of Friday, the 21st of August, those restrictions are going to be tightened. People who currently have an approval to enter for employment and education, providing or receiving care and support, or obtaining food, petrol, medical or other supplies will not be able to enter South Australia from Victoria.

“Those people will have to apply for approval to enter South Australia under the existing and remaining essential travel requirements.”

“We understand this will have an impact on those close border communities but given current status of COVID-19 in Victoria and the current numbers it is deemed that is a critical step for the safety of the South Australian community to further minimise the risk of COVID-19.”

The police commissioner also announced restrictions on private gatherings, which are currently capped at 10 people, will be relaxed to allow up to 10 visitors in addition to a home’s residents – a maximum of 20 in total. Private gatherings in venues other than a home or licensed premises will be limited to 100.

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