Hospitality businesses in South Australia have been forced to close as the state enters a hard lockdown.
South Australia has commenced six days of lockdown, which will be followed by an eight-day period with significant restrictions.
Pubs, cafes, coffee shops, restaurants and food courts are not permitted to operate in any capacity. Takeaway is not allowed.
The news comes after a cluster in Parafield, Adelaide, has continued to grow, with 22 cases emerging in recent days. There are further suspected cases currently under investigation.
Premier Steven Marshall has referred to the restrictions as a “circuit breaker”.
“If we don’t get on top of that very, very quickly it will get away from us and that will be disastrous for us in South Australia,” said Premier Marshall.
“Of course, we know the restrictions are going to be very punishing … but we know we’re doing it for the right reasons to stop a far harsher lockdown which will come if we allow the virus to get away from us.
“We have one chance at this and we know the incubation cycle is extraordinarily short that we do need to stamp it out now before it gets into larger and larger rings.”
Restaurants made the most of their final operating hours yesterday, encouraging customers to rebook and follow state guidelines.
Meanwhile, authorities have urged anyone who visited Woodville Pizza Bar between 6-16 November for takeaway or dine in to self-quarantine immediately and get tested for the virus.
Image credit: The Australian