4th August 2021

Update to COVID-19 Restrictions in SA

Earlier this week, the Premier announced that from 12:01am Thursday, 5th August, 2021, COVID-19 restrictions in South Australia will be eased slightly. The Emergency Management (Activities – Associated Direction No.7) has now been published. The main easing of restrictions is the density requirement. Other restrictions introduced last week remain. The new level of restrictions that come into effect on Thursday, 5th August 2021 are as follows:

·         Density requirements of 1 person per 2 (two) square metres

·         Seated consumption of food and beverages both indoors and outdoors and no communal food or beverage facilities

·         Singing by worshippers is not permitted. At indoor places, only an individual singer is currently allowed to sing.  We understand this to mean that musicians who regularly rehearse together are also allowed, suitably distanced from one another

·         Weddings and funerals are capped at 50 attendees. The cap also applies to the wedding reception or funeral wake refreshments after the service

·         Private gatherings in households are limited to 10 people (this would apply to small groups/ bible study groups in homes)

·         Gyms/fitness classes have a density requirement of 1 person per 4 (four) square metres. This will affect some hirers of church halls

·         Wearing of masks is mandatory in high risk settings, personal care and health care services, passenger and public transport, secondary schools, and indoor public places – this includes churches, and office foyers.

The Premier also stated that masks are still recommended to be worn in open plan work-places, and particularly in common areas like the lunch-room and photocopy areas. This may impact church offices, as well as church meetings, for example, Church Council meetings. Planning for all of our church activities should take this into account. With this in mind, if you are attending any of the Synod sites: the Pirie Street office, the Brooklyn Park campus, or Uniting Venues, please wear a mask, particularly in public spaces.

Churches should be sent an updated COVID Safe Plan from the government before the new restrictions come into operation. We encourage congregations to follow their COVID Safe Plans, as they will contain all the information you need.

Blessings to you as you navigate the easing of restrictions and plan for worship and other activities.

Grace and peace,
Rev Felicity Amery
General Secretary, Synod of South Australia