Premier Steven Marshall addressed the South Australian public this afternoon with the latest information on the evolving COVID-19 situation in SA.
In the past 24 hours, there has been a decrease in cases to 2,401 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in SA with hospitalisations increasing slightly to 281. Out of the reported cases, 1926 were confirmed via PCR tests, and a further 465 via the rapid antigen tests (RAT)
There was a decrease in ICU patients, with currently 26 in intensive care, and four on a ventilator.
“This is the perfect piece of evidence now that we are moving away from the peak,” Marshall said.
Sadly there have been seven deaths in the past 24 hours, however, 13 will be added to today’s total, making it SA’s deadliest day in the pandemic. Marshall says that he believes six are from aged care facilities.
“Sometimes [the death reports] comes very late, some times [they] doesn’t come at all.”
Marshall said the state will collate the 87 deaths over the past two years and work out the exact dates of passing, providing the state with a clearer picture of the stats death tally.
South Australia continued to see another high testing day, with 13,487 PCR tests administered in the last 24 hours. A further 4,614 RATs were collected in SA yesterday, with the last 24 hours testing rates sitting the same at the highest in the past week.
Marshall stated that he believes RAT collection and reporting is down due to South Australians favouring the PCR tests now that lines have seen a dramatic decrease. The Premier further said that the state prefers close contacts to receive the highly-accurate PCR test over the rapid at-home test, however, noted that they were an option. Regardless of your negative result, close contacts are still required to isolate for seven days.
Vaccination rates continued to remain high in SA, with 22,051 people receiving a COVID-19 shot in the last 24 hours. Marshall continued to encourage South Australians to go and get their vaccines, with the state “having more [vaccine supply], then demand].”
The Wayville vaccination clinic is open for walk-ins today, with reports that people are moving through very quickly.
“After you’ve had your barbie, your pie your lamington, go down and get your vaccine,” Marshall said.
Speaking on yesterday’s meeting with the Education Union, Marshall stated the discussion was “very professional and very positive,” and that SA will have “to wait to see what the union decides.”
Further, the Premier discussed further cash stimulus packages for businesses hard hit by the states current restrictions. The finalised decision on this is expected to come later this week, after SA Health, Marshall and others meet with Professor Joshua Ross, who did the states COVID-19 modelling. Marshall also announced that they would be discussing restrictions at the next committee meeting.
“We know small businesses are hard hit…we are working at the moment on a support package and a pathway out of the restrictions …I think people are looking forward to this,” Marshall said.
Marshall continued to say that SA had massively “flexed up” the states hospital capacity. However, it has been reported by the Adelaide Emergency Department that 47 people who have been admitted to hospitals across SA are waiting for beds in emergency departments.
You may not always receive a call, SMS or email from SA Health.
You must follow the relevant health advice even if you have not been contacted.
If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, please seek testing as soon as possible.
For more information on health advice and requirements for households, visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVIDcontacttracing.
Find your nearest testing site at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVIDtesting
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