COVID outbreak in South Australia concerns Victorian border communities

But, in a fashion typical of 2020, celebrations have been followed by trepidation.

South Australia recorded its first community transmission of COVID-19 since April on Sunday.

It had recorded a total of 20 new cases by Tuesday morning - all linked to an outbreak from hotel quarantine.

While the State Premier said there are no plans to close the border, community members close to the border are worried that may change.

As several other states immediately closed their borders to South Australia, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the new cases did not change plans to reopen the Victorian border on December 1.

Mr Andrews however, did declare South Australia a "virus hotspot" to be monitored.

"We've never closed our border. I've never criticised others for closing theirs, they've done what I would've done if the circumstances were different," the Premier said.

"So I can't take it off the table. I've got confidence that (SA Premier) Steven Marshall will get on top of this. I want a situation where every border in the country is open by Christmas."

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Kaniva's Commercial Hotel owner Zach Robinson said the border reopening was pivotal for his business to bounce-back after a challenging year; however, he was concerned about the spate of new cases.

He said news of the border opening, followed by the recent outbreak, was like "a big bonus followed by a kick in the guts".

"It's good that it's opening, but now that they've got their cases, I'm almost worried about them coming back over here," he said.

"You start to think, 'Should we be closing off to them?'

"I'm not for closing borders - I think as a whole we're all Australians and all part of one country.

"But I don't know. It's a tricky situation."

Mr Robinson said although he was desperate to return to normality, containing the virus had to be the number one priority.

"Business-wise, opening up might be alright. But health and safety always outweighs business," he added.

Apsley resident Jenney Taylor said her community were "rapt" when the news came through of the border reopening.

She said it would be a cruel blow to see it shut once again.

"They seem to be getting on top of things - you just hope and pray that it doesn't escalate too much," she said.

"Everyone here is just praying that they don't close the border again.

"If it does, goodness knows what might happen."

SA Premier Steven Marshall said his state would reintroduce health restrictions for the next two weeks in response to the new cases in Adelaide and inbound international flights to that city have been cancelled.

Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia and the Northern Territory have placed restrictions on inbound travellers from SA.

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