THE Australian Defence Force officially started supporting police at Victorian border entry points over the weekend as patrols aim to stop COVID-19 spreading into South Australia.
It follows the South Australian Government tightening the state’s borders last week following the recent outbreak of COVID-19 cases in metropolitan Melbourne and greater surrounds.
A total of 63 ADF personnel are involved in the response in South Australia, with 59 of those deployed to help patrol border checkpoints.
The region’s contingent are currently conducting their operations from the Shepherdson Road barracks.
Limestone Coast Police officer in charge Superintendent Phil Hoff met with some of the personnel at Mingbool Road on Sunday to thank them for their assistance.
Supt Hoff said the nation was currently at a “critical juncture” in the fight against COVID-19.
“With the restrictions having eased significantly, the message is more important than ever and that is that we all have a role to play to ensure the virus does not spread into South Australia,” Supt Hoff said.
“We are obviously concerned and will remain very vigilant in the coming weeks.”
New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory travellers may also have to wait a little longer to visit South Australia, with Premier Steven Marshall giving no guarantee the border will open to those jurisdictions on the previously determined July 20 date.
“We have to put a question mark around lifting the border on Monday the 20th with both New South Wales and the ACT,” Mr Marshall said.
“We are going to be looking at their new infections tomorrow very carefully at our transition committee meeting and if it is not safe to be lifting our border restrictions then we will not be doing so.”
Supt Hoff also indicated licensed premises could expect extra attention from the police to ensure compliance with COVID-19 management plans.
It follows police checking 111 venues for COVID-19 compliance over the weekend with 10 found not to have ‘Covid Safe Plans’ in place.
Premier Marshall defended the decision of police to fine two Adelaide licensed premises $5060 over the weekend.
“I think this is only reasonable, people have had plenty of warning about what is going on,” he said.
“You only need to look across the border at the moment to see exactly what happens if you do not have proper COVID safe plans in place.”
