COVID-19

Further SA restrictions as state’s cases reach new high of 1,471

New restrictions have been announced for SA as the state tops 1,471 new positive covid cases.

Premier Steven Marshall held a press conference this morning, to address the South Australian public with the latest on the total number of active cases in our state. There have been 1,471 positive cases today, prompting further adjustments to restrictions.

The Premier announced that changes would be made to elective surgery, with a limit to category 1 and urgent category 2 elective surgeries only. They’re doing this to preserve their healthcare workforce so it can deal with the Omicron variant. While the symptoms are less severe, they are trying to avoid everyone hitting the healthcare system at the same time. They are looking to put a directive in place around this – and are expecting this to be announced in the next 24 hours.

He also strongly encouraged all South Australians to work from home where possible, siting the changed conditions means a change in the state’s plan. NSW are in a current ‘work from home’ order until January 27th, and it’s likely SA will follow suit.

“I am focused 100% on keeping South Australia safe going forward”, Premier Marshall said.

He said there are currently 36 people in hospital with at least 4 of those in ICU.

They are looking to flex up the testing capabilities in SA, with 22734 test undertaken yesterday, which is up 10% from the day before. QLD has decided not to require pre-departure tests, which means SA doesn’t need to do pre-departure tests for any state. This will free up our testing for those with symptoms. If you have symptoms, book in online, stay isolated until it’s time for you to have your PCR test. Test results are getting back to people now in around 20 hours.

Marshall said their major quest now is vaccinations. They’ve reduced the booster period from 6 months to 4 months, and they are working with the primary healthcare sector – doctors and pharmacies – to increase vaccination capacity.

He further announced a new pop-up clinic in the Western Parklands at Sir Donald Bradman Drive, open for bookings between 8.30am and 5.30pm. No walk ins.

The Premier also announced that it will now be mandatory for all frontline health workers to have the booster shot, meaning a compulsory three doses for those in healthcare, aged and disability workers. That direction will be released shortly. They need to take the booster within 2 weeks of their availability period happening.

“Omricon is a game changer and we have to therefore update how we deal with it – my advise is to do everything possible to limit mobility”, Premier Marshall said.

Marshall also touched on the 10 person capacity in homes for NYE, saying it was necessary to reduce mobility to slow the spread down.

Marshall finished saying that every person you come into contact with over the next month, is likely to be a close contact at some point.

There will also be a National Cabinet Meeting tomorrow. They are looking to put consistent trace, testing protocols in place Nationally. They’re also getting a significant update on Rapid Antigen Testing in Australia.

CURRENT EXPOSURE LOCATIONS

Please note: During the December 26th press conference with Professor Nicola Spurrier, she said that SA Health have stopped listing all impacted sites, and are now focused on super spreader, high risk or vulnerable locations.

If you were at any of the below locations, but not at the specified date and time, monitor yourself for symptoms and get tested as soon as symptoms develop.

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.

Find your nearest testing site at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVIDtesting.

More information is available at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVIDcontacttracing.

For more information visit https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/ or call the SA COVID-19 Information Line on 1800 253 787.

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