COVID-19 rumour in Murray Bridge is untrue, SA Health says

A reported case in a traveller returning from Victoria was based on a misunderstanding.

Peri Strathearn

Jul 17, 2020 — 1 min read

Rumours of a patient with COVID-19 being quarantined at the Murray Bridge hospital are false, SA Health says.

A spokeswoman said a report by Seven News, which suggested a woman who had recently returned from Victoria was in isolation with the disease, was not quite right.

A South Australian did go to the Murray Bridge hospital to get tested for COVID-19, in accordance with the current guidelines for travellers returning from Victoria.

The traveller was isolated while awaiting a test result, in line with the same guidelines.

The only thing out of the ordinary was that the traveller spent the isolation period at the hospital instead of somewhere else.

In the end the COVID test came back negative and the patient was sent home to complete the required two-week quarantine period.

"It was someone doing what they're supposed to," the spokeswoman said.

Current COVID-19 restrictions

Travellers entering SA must fill in an application at least three days ahead of time.

Those entering from Victoria, New South Wales or overseas must go into quarantine for 14 days.

Those coming from Victoria must also take a COVID test within 24 hours, another 12 days later, and wear a face mask if required to come in contact with members of the public.

In addition, anyone with symptoms including a fever or chills, acute respiratory infection and/or a loss of taste and smell should contact their GP or seek testing at a COVID-19 testing centre, such as the one at the corner of Mulgundawah and Swanport Roads in Murray Bridge.

In an emergency, call 000.

There has been only one confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Murray Bridge district since the pandemic began, seven more across the Mid Murray and Alexandrina districts, and none in Karoonda East Murray or the Coorong.