Premier Steven Marshall, Health Minister Stephen Wade and Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier addressed the South Australian public today on the eve of the ease of restrictions for the state.
There has been one new positive case yesterday linked to the Modbury cluster, in a man in his 20s who has been in quarantine. There was another family member who tested positive on 20 July, proving there is a long incubation period and the virus acts differently within different people. The new case is currently in a stable condition with no symptoms, and his family will now restart their 14 days of quarantine following his transfer to Tom’s Court.
Nicola Spurrier is confident there is no cause for concern of transmission within the community from the new case linked to the Tenafeate Creek winery as he was quarantining the entire time.
The new case totals 22 cases linked to the Modbury cluster, with 7,163 tests returned yesterday showing a continual decline in testing for the state as the cluster comes under control. Spurrier did however encouraged those who think they may have symptoms to get a test, stating this is a very serious time.
A man in 70s was admitted to ICU last night in serious condition, however he is not ventilated yet but Spurrier noted it is still a great concern for the mans health.
Marshall addressed that there is a growing concern in NSW, as well as cautions about the situation continuing to develop in south east Queensland. He urged South Australians to make the move to return home sooner rather than later, as the development of their situation may result in stronger border restrictions.
The updated restrictions as of 12:01am Thursday 5 August are as follows:
- 50% capacity, 1per 2 square metres
- 1 per 4 square metres in gyms
- Sports may return for competition but some conditions with regards to number of spectators
- Home gathering capacity remains at 10
- Singing and dancing restrictions to stay in place
- Masks in high risk settings, personal care services, indoor public places, passenger transport services, healthcare services, theatres
- Masks are strongly encouraged everywhere else, including workplace common areas
- Weddings and funerals remain at maximum 50 people
- Masks required at sporting events at Adelaide Oval
Health Minister Wade spoke on the current situation surrounding health professionals vaccination levels, detailing that red zone restrictions are currently in place meaning any health worker who may come into contact with a COVID positive person is required to be vaccinated.
Currently, 76% of metro crews have been vaccinated with at least their first dose of the vaccine to best protect the community they operate within.
This comes following an announcement yesterday from Police Commissioner Grant Stevens on updated transit restrictions for return travellers to SA passing through Sydney Airport.
Those who travel through Sydney airport into South Australia will now be required to quarantine at home for 14 days as well as undergoing testing on days one, five and 13.
Stevens noted that this may affect people travelling from regional Queensland through Sydney airport who would need to reconsider their travel plans as the new direction is effective immediately.
The Police Commissioner urged that SA residents currently in QLD should make every effort to return home as quickly as possible, and that there was no guarantee the restrictions would not be increased.
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.
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