Premier Steven Marshall addressed the South Australian public this morning with the latest information on the evolving COVID-19 situation in SA.
In the 24 hours to midnight last night, there has been a decrease in cases, with 1147 COVID-19 cases confirmed in SA. Sadly, there have been five death reported in the past 24 hours.
The five deaths take the total number of fatalities in the state since the start of the pandemic to 133.
Premier Steven Marshall said he did not have details of their age or sex.
“Yesterday was our lowest day since January 1st,” said Premier Marshall.
“This is well below what the numbers were a week, two weeks ago.
“Every single day we see more people recovering than we see becoming COVID-positive.”
Numbers have continued to drop in hospitalization and intensive care, which Marshall echoing his previous comments that SA is past the peak of the Omicron wave. Hospitalisations have decreased to 224 with 16 people in ICU and five on ventilators.
As for SA Health staff who are furloughed numbers are continuing on a downwards trend.
307 staff members are furloughed, 203 of whom are Covid positive.
On return to school
All students will return to school next Monday (February 14th).
Premier Marshall claimed the staggered start to school was what was best for all South Australians and now encourages all students to get their first dose before returning to school next week.
“There are plenty of appointments,” said the Premier.
“In fact, you can walk into most of our state-based facilities.”
Following ATAGI’s announcement that the Pfizer booster has been approved for 16 and 17 year-olds the Premier is urging all eligible people to get boosted.
“Please have that booster.”
In regards to students in Boarding Houses, they will be required to wear masks in what is considered their home until further notice.
“We have seen in shared housing transmission is higher,” Mr Marshall said.
“There is a massive risk in communal housing.
“The current restrictions are tough.
“We will constantly look at those restrictions and ease them when safe.”
Decreased cases in Aboriginal communities
This week 636 Aboriginal South Australian’s have tested positive for COVID-19.
The premier confirmed 24 of these cases were in hospital and 1 is in ICU.
Mr Marshall announced hotspots have dropped from 9 down to 6 this week in the state regional Aboriginal communities.
He did however say that “indigenous communities are of great concern” due to their remoteness and lack of access to the same medical facilities found in larger cities and towns.
Great State and Dining Vouchers
The seventh round of Great State Vouchers was announced last week.
Premier Marshall said the ballot will open on Friday and will be a great boost to the economy.
$30 Dining vouchers were also announced today with more information on how to get your hands on one expected this week.
“Go out have a meal while helping the employment here in South Australia,” said the Premier.
PCR Testing
“We are by far the fastest place in Australia in terms of PCR processing, with an average turnaround of 8.1 hours,” said the Premier.
“We have the highest capacity per capita.
“If you have any symptoms at all please get tested.
“The PCR is the Rolls Royce of testing.”
Changes to testing requirements
Following the announcement made on the weekend regarding changes to testing requirements, SA Health is pleading people to go and get their booster shot.
SA Health says those who are named close contacts but have no symptoms will now have to take at least four Covid tests instead of the usual two – if they choose to use rapid antigen tests.
More than 410,000 South Australians who are eligible for their Covid-19 booster shot are yet to roll up their sleeves, despite the state having ample vaccine stocks and available jab appointments.
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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