Premier Steven Marshall addressed the South Australian public this morning with the latest information on the evolving COVID-19 situation in SA.
Sadly, there have been three deaths reported in the past 24 hours.
The Premier stated he did not have the final number on positive COVID-19 cases confirmed in South Australia but believed they had continued to decrease and were sitting around 1,300. Marshall said the final number will be confirmed later today.
The total cases are continuing to drop, with the state sitting around 17,000 active cases in SA.
Hospitalisations have decreased to 220 with no further details at the time of writing on intensive care and ventilators.
Commenting on students return to school, Marshall stated that there has been “extraordinarily high attendance,” and that the state government is “pleased” with the staggered Term 1 start so far. Whilst it has been reported that 125 SA teachers have tested positive to COVID-19, Marshall said have a workforce in education in over 30,000 not disproportionate.
Exposure locations:
Late last night, two exposure locations were announced by SA Health. Both were CBD bars/nightclubs, Zhivago and Fumo Blu.
Speaking on the matter, Marshall stated that the COVID-19 areas of concern are only published if a significant number of cases derive from the locations and if SA Health believes it was a transmission event.
The dates for both exposure locations were from a week ago, with the Premier saying that SA Health can not determine if it is a transmission event until the data is presented and the cases are deemed high enough.
However, Marshall stated they’re still getting the message out there, so people can monitor their symptoms and get tested. He further noted that many cases are asymptomatic. The PCR testing capacity in SA remains high, with the Premier encouraging those displaying even the mildest of symptoms to get tested.
“This where we are at this part in the cycle, we can’t determine a transmission site until the numbers are there,” Marshall said.
Easing restrictions:
Speaking on South Australia COVID-19 restrictions, Marshall stated that the state will see several restrictions ease across the next four to six weeks.
“We’re seeing the numbers come down, which will mean restrictions will come down,” Marshall said.
Certain areas will be prioritised when easing restrictions, in particular, the hard-hit hospitality, tourism and fitness sectors. Marshall said functions was an area of great consideration, as well as the cap on home gatherings.
When questioned on if dancing will return, Marshall said “I think dancing is more difficult, to be honest, but I am in favour of easing restrictions in the hospitality sector.”
The state government and SA Health will continue to announce an easing of restrictions each fortnight, with a further announcement set to come next week. Face masks in both indoor and outdoor settings will likely be the last restriction to dissolve, with Marshall stating that believes the mandate will be in place for quite some time.
“We can’t rip everything off next Friday but we can work through reduction of restrictions in two-week blocks,” Marshall said.
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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