Commenting on the story: Borders stay open – despite SA Health recommendation to close

Obviously SA politicians are more interested in interstate travellers than our local health. My wife and I, plus I believe many others, will now be avoiding local business interactions wherever possible. Wish I lived in WA! – Damien Henderson

I don’t understand the purpose of a pre-departure COVID test, if there is an arrival COVID test required. The pre-arrival test only proves that someone is not infected in the 72 hours prior; it is whether you are infected on arrival that is important.

The transmission of COVID once border restrictions eased was entirely predictable. This seems like a reaction, not a planned response. – Matt Doyle

This is an utter disgrace for the Premier and his committee to ignore the suggestion from the chief public health officer. Opening the borders has put us all at risk once again and it is time to think of the majority. – John Tarling

It is great that our borders are still opened. However, as a single vaccinated SA resident returning from WA, I’m still waiting for my exemptions since 2nd Dec, stuck in WA until I can get home. Why should I need an exemption when as a single vaccinated SA resident, I’m allowed into the state until 14 Dec? – Paul Yoong

I have had to wait six weeks for a medical appointment to see a specialist. This morning, I was informed this would need to be a phone consult.

I do not blame the specialist for being cautious, particularly in the face of the new Covid variant, but how many others will not be able to see their specialists physically face to face, when their condition can only be diagnosed when they are physically present with the doctor? – Jean Pengelly

Commenting on the story: Anti-mandate Antic lashes out after being sent to quarantine

The sudden spike in cases has meant that the borders, while not closing, have suddenly tightened in a regulatory sense to the extent that family in Sydney are wondering whether coming for Christmas is worth all the hassle .

To make the opening worthwhile, the regulations have to be consistent regardless of the number of cases. Inconsistencies between states don’t help either. – Peter Annear

Commenting on the story: Richardson: Govt needs to rethink COVID communication blackout

I am in total agreement with your sentiments. In addition it also appears to be about money.

Sadly, opening up will not increase the tourist dollar as planned but will do exactly the opposite as we hide away. Steve Marshall and team have done an outstanding job so far but have now dropped the ball. He has lost my vote as a long term Liberal supporter. I suspect there are many like me. – Mike Williams

Hundreds of SA citizens will be required to isolate, despite complying with restrictions for nearly two years. Some will miss Christmas celebrations and social gatherings with relatives and friends while some travellers from interstate will be able to enjoy their celebrations. – Garry Le Duff

I agree with much of what Richardson says in this article. However, the opening was based on vaccination coverage. Even if SA waited for higher coverage, there were always going to be cases upon opening. What SA should be looking at is rates of hospitalisations, deaths. Why is this not part of the SA Health comms?

Omicron has put the wind up the ‘fab four’ and SA is out of step with the eastern states – you know, the states where they do have cases, many cases. There is a claustrophobic conservatism in this approach. It has created anxiety in those that fear opening and those that embrace opening with the current checks and balances. – David Price

How on earth are our hospitals going to cope with Covid casualties when they aren’t coping with their “normal” patients? – Maria Patterson