The State Government is encouraging the community to register themselves, loved ones and friends for the Red Cross Telecross REDi service.
Specially trained Red Cross staff and volunteers will make the calls, asking clients questions including how they are coping and if they need medical or food supplies, as well as reiterating latest government health advice.
Premier Steven Marshall said the free phone service could be a “lifesaver”.
“I urge the community to register their loved ones and friends for our new, free COVID-19 phone service, activated for our most vulnerable South Australians – it could literally be a lifesaver,” said Premier Marshall.
“Welfare calls are another component of the State Government’s strong plan to reduce the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the health of South Australians.”
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the phone service has been activated to support South Australians whose wellbeing is impacted as a result of COVID-19 social distancing and self-isolated measures.
“The new, extended service is targeted to older South Australians, people living with disability, those experiencing mental illness people recovering from an illness or accident or anyone with an ongoing health condition who are doing the right thing and self-isolating,” said Minister Lensink.
“We usually activate this service during heatwaves and we’ve witnesses the phone calls helping South Australians in emergency situations every year.
“The service typically makes thousands of calls made every day to our most vulnerable and we’re really urging people to sign up to the new Red Cross COVID-19 service.”
