Premier Steven Marshall, Health Minister Stephen Wade and Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier have today addressed the South Australian public for an update on the state’s COVID situation.
The update came live from the Noarlunga vaccination clinic, marking the first day that 16 – 39 year olds can officially book in for their vaccinations, with the SA Health’s booking website experiencing huge surges in traffic since appointments were opened up, which now appear to have been stabilised.
Marshall commented that there were 83,000 appointments booked just this morning before 11am showing the incredible demand for the vaccine in South Australia, with a huge number of September appointments still available at the Noarlunga and Wayville clinics.
As additional doses become available in South Australia, with the new influx of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines arriving in the state as early as next month, further appointments will become available.
“We don’t think it’s possible to eliminate COVID permanently from South Australia,” Marshall says, but he encourages everyone to get vaccinated to reduce its prevalence.
The Premier applauded the state for its continuation in complying with the current restrictions and suggested we only need to look to states such as the ACT, VIC and NSW to see where the state could be if directions were not followed and the snap lockdown following the Modbury cluster was not enforced.
Marshall announced that there will be also be a directions meeting this afternoon that is expected to provide an update on South Australia’s border with the ACT who have just had their lockdown extended by a further two weeks.
The Premier also revealed that conversations to ease restrictions were currently ongoing and an update on any ease in South Australia’s restrictions slated for tomorrow.
Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier was disappointed with the low testing rates currently in South Australia.
“Unfortunately our testing rate has really dropped,” Spurrier says, encouraging even those who have been vaccinated to continue to seek out testing should they experience any symptoms at all.
When discussing the vaccine, Spurrier urged that we are best protected from COVID as a state if as many people as possible get their vaccinations.
“The best vaccine for you is the one that’s available right now,” Spurrier says.
In an update on the AFL, Marshall commented those involved in the final were keen for the game to be played in the orthodox way but all scenarios are currently being planned for.
COVID-19 TESTING SITE UPDATES
Bookings are now required for the Ridgehaven Waterworld, Repat Health Precinct and Port Adelaide (Mundy St).
Bookings are required at Victoria Park Pakapakanthi from 10am-8pm (outside of these hours, bookings are not required).
When you book online, you may be placed in a virtual queue. This may happen when there is increased demand on the website.
Follow SA Health’s post on Facebook (link here) for the latest updates on testing sites impacted by the weather. To find an alternative COVID-19 testing site near you, please visit: sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVIDtesting
ALL SOUTH AUSTRALIANS WHO HAVE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 SHOULD GET TESTED ON THE DAY SYMPTOMS APPEAR.
Symptoms include:
– Fever or chills (in the absence of an alternative illness that explains these symptoms)
– An acute respiratory infection e.g. cough, sore throat, runny nose, or shortness of breath
– Loss of smell or alteration in the sense of taste
– Diarrhoea and vomiting
For more information: SA COVID-19 Information Line 1800 253 787; sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVID2019.
More News
