Failure to check in affects potential Tailem Bend outbreak
A third exposure site is confirmed at The Bend as police urge the public to check in.
This story will be updated as new information comes to hand. Last updated 7.48PM July 14.
SAPOL Commissioner Grant Stevans is urging the South Australian public, particularly those close to the Tailem Bend exposure site, to check in and assist SA Health.
This comes as the third exposure site to the removalists was confirmed by SA Health as The Bend OTR Motorsport Park service station.
Anyone who was at the service station on Friday July 9 between 7.20am and 8.15am, plus their household, needs to immediately isolate and get tested.
The Commissioner spoke to reporters this evening and revealed that while just 25 check-ins had been recorded at the Shell service station between 5.20pm and 7pm on Friday July 9, there had been 76 credit card transactions in the same time frame.
While an update would be provided tomorrow, Commissioner Stevens warned that if the public would not follow requirements further restrictions may be needed to avoid a potential outbreak.
“Due warning we are actively considering further restrictions,” Commissioner Stevens said.
“We are dealing with a potential outbreak in Tailem Bend.”
Tighter restrictions for those entering the state and truck drivers crossing borders have been applied.
July 14 4.21pm Update
The number of people in isolation as a result of the Shell service station exposure site has grown to 90.
As of 12pm SA Health confirmed to Murray Bridge News that 60 individuals had responded to a survey from SA Health.
This number has grown as of this afternoon’s update from SA Health Deputy Chief Public Health Officer Emily Kirkpatrick.
All 90 individuals in isolation and will require testing on day 1, 5 and 13.
A third exposure site is now being investigated by SA Health and police.
Ms Kirkpatrick said that the third site occurred during a stop by the removalists on their way into South Australia in the early hours of Friday July 9.
While investigations using CCTV footage and traffic data are still underway, it is understood to not be a stop in Tailem Bend, instead at another petrol station.
“It is likely to be a petrol station but we will confirm that once we have that information,” Ms Kirkpatrick said.
“There may not be any additional exposure to the South Australian community but we still need to check.”
The Tailem Bend testing site will be open until 8pm this evening to provide additional testing time.
Precautions in place for local health providers
Additional measures including door screenings have been put in place at Bridge Clinic to ensure the safety of all patients.
New Bridge Clinic General Manager Sally Jarrett wanted to remind anyone who is unsure to check with SA Health.
“If they are unsure they should go to the SA Health website,” Ms Jarrett said.
For those that had been at the Tailem Bend exposure site the advice is to not come into the clinic but instead seek advice from SA Health.
“Advice currently is that they should isolate and get tested which needs to be done at the Tailem Bend clinic.”
Similar advice is in place for the Murray Bridge Soldiers Memorial Hospital where those with Covid like symptoms are asked to get tested and isolate until a negative result.
You can see all the information provided by Murray Bridge News yesterday here.
Where can I get tested?
Tailem Bend (Adjacent to Caltex Service Station) - no appointment required, open 9 - 5 every day (open until 8pm Wednesday July 14)
People needing day 1, day 5 and day 13 testing must use the Tailem Bend site
Murray Bridge Respiratory Clinic - appointment required, call 8539 3292 or book online
Where can I get vaccinated? And can I get vaccinated?
There are currently vaccination clinics available in Murray Bridge and Meningie.
All South Australian 16 years and over who live in regional council areas can now book their vaccination appointment.
