A bus to transport residents home to the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands from COVID-19 hit Adelaide has been cancelled after a number of passengers tested positive for the virus.
The charter bus was scheduled to depart the capital on Tuesday and had been organised to help Anangu people return home, with many fearing they would catch COVID-19 as numbers grow in South Australia.
In South Australia, there are around 30,000 active COVID-19 cases, with new infections reaching above 4,000 per day.
In a statement, General Manager of the APY Lands, Richard King said the risk of allowing people to return to Country was too great.
“APY communities are not COVID-free, and we cannot risk so many returning now to an isolated area with limited medical support,” said Mr King.
“For now, we urge all Anangu to please stay still wherever you are.
“The risk to vulnerable communities in the APY Lands is just too great to proceed with a return-to-country program at this time.”
Mr King also urged community members to follow COVID-19 rules, and not attempt to re-enter the community on their own.
General manager Richard King says APY has cancelled a charter bus to slow the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak in the APY Lands. Source: ABC Australia
“It is very important that people do not attempt to sneak back into the APY Lands, as they could be putting their families and communities at grave risk," he said.
“SA Police are monitoring any movements in and out of the Lands.”
The APY Administration said people were only permitted to enter the Lands if they test negative to COVID prior to arrival.
The APY Lands has been closed to all but essential workers since January 5.
