Fake text messages have circulated in Adelaide directing people into home quarantine because of their supposed exposure to COVID-19.
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The hoax texts appear to come from SA Health, but Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier says they indicate a number as the sender, something legitimate SMS messages don't do.
"It makes it very difficult for us and I'm sure all South Australians would be quite irritated to hear about that," she told reporters on Wednesday.
Prof Spurrier said legitimate messages from SA Health will direct receivers to the organisation's website.
She said if in doubt, people can check on their need to quarantine through the COVID-19 call centre.
About 5000 people remain in home quarantine in SA because of their potential exposure to the virus in various locations around Adelaide linked to the so-called Modbury cluster.
The cluster currently stands at 19 confirmed infections, but no new cases have been reported over the past two days, allowing SA to end a week-long lockdown on Wednesday.
Australian Associated Press
