Coronavirus Adelaide: Seven new cases of coronavirus in SA but authorities say small spike no reason for fear

There were seven new cases of coronavirus in South Australia on Friday, with a Barossa Valley cluster growing again as the state enters the “critical” Easter weekend.

• Free subscription offer ends soon: Get our four-week digital trial
• Hundreds ignore stay home message, flock to Adelaide beaches
• Write your message of thanks to frontline workers keeping us safe

South Australia recorded seven new coronavirus cases on Friday, but health authorities say they are not concerned by the spike.

There have now been 428 cases recorded in South Australia but deputy chief public health officer Mike Cusack said 179 patients – about 40 per cent of total cases – had now recovered.

The new cases range in age from their 20s to their 80s.

Fifteen patients remain in the Royal Adelaide Hospital, with six in intensive care and four in critical conditions.

Dr Cusack said there had been an increase in cases linked to the Swiss tourist group that made up part of the Barossa Valley cluster.

There were no new cases linked to the Ruby Princess cruise ship or the Adelaide Airport clusters and there have been no new cases of community transmission recorded.

Despite the relatively high number of cases following low numbers in recent days, Dr Cusack said he was not concerned about a new increase in the rate of infection.

Premier Steven Marshall said it was critical people continue to maintain social distancing over the weekend and said anecdotal reports so far suggested most South Australians were doing so.

New aged care centre bans in bid to stop virus spread

Aged care centre residents who leave their facility are now banned from re-entering – however some exemptions apply.

State Co-ordinator and Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has announced new restrictions on aged care facilities, under the Emergency Management Act.

The rules aim to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

New aged care facility restrictions have been introduced overnight. Picture: Generic

MORE NEWS:

What SA’s most influential are doing during lockdown

The South Australian towns with zero coronavirus cases

Under the new direction, residential aged care centre residents who leave their facility are prohibited from re-entering the premises unless they left for medical or dental treatment or to attend a funeral of an immediate family member.

Those who have dementia, or another cognitive impairment that impedes their ability to understand the new rule, and residents with no safe alternative accommodation are also exempt.

Previously enforced visitation restrictions have also been altered to allow people performing regulatory functions, such as inspections, as well as legal practitioners providing legal advice or services to enter facilities.

A rule has also been introduced that bans prospective residents of an aged care facility from inspecting the premises.

The new directions build on those first enforced on March 23.

Under those restrictions, people were prohibited from entering or remaining at facilities unless they were an employee there, were providing goods, services, health care or end of life support.

People who were providing care and support to a resident were also exempt from the ban if they were the only such visit made to the resident on that day.

Prospective residents could also visit to inspect the facility.

The original direction noted that none of the rules prevented a resident from entering or remaining at a residential aged care facility.

People are also are not allowed to visit aged care facilities within 14 days of entering South Australia from interstate or overseas.

They are also not allowed to enter within 14 days of having had known contact with someone with a confirmed case of coronavirus, or they have a temperature above 38C or symptoms of acute respiratory infection.

Those under 16 years of age and, from May 1, anyone who has not had their flu shot this year are also banned.

Youths under 16 years of age who are at a facility for end of life support are exempt.

Fines of up to $20,000 for individuals and up to $75,000 for body corporates can be issued for breaches of the Emergency Management Act.

For more information call the SA COVID-19 Information Line on 1800 253 787 between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week, or visit sahealth.sa.gov.au or www.sa.gov.au/covid-19.