Covid surge may be over as cases numbers almost the same as last week

More South Australians are being treated in hospital for Covid as a new wave of the virus continues to grip the state.

Covid cases in South Australia appear to be plateauing at a new elevated level, but increasing numbers of people are being treated for the virus in hospitals.

Latest figures show an overall drop of five cases this week, compared to the previous week.

SA Health data released on Friday show there were 2496 new cases of Covid reported in South Australia in the past week, compared to 2501 the previous week.

Cases had risen sharply since the 862 cases reported in the week ending October 20, with experts warning of new wave amid waning immunity and more transmissible sub-variants.

As of 11:59pm on Tuesday there were 109 people with the virus in hospital, an

increase from a revised total of 98 people in hospital the previous week following a data reconciliation.

There were no new Covid deaths notified to the Department for Health and Wellbeing.

There have been a total of 944,057 cases reported in SA and 1624 deaths since the pandemic hit.

In the past week, 7043 people received a PCR test in South Australia, a 4 per cent increase on the previous week.

Free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) continue to be available for eligible people through local councils and community groups.

Australian Medical Association state president Dr John Williams urged older and at-risk people to wear masks in public and to consider holding Christmas gatherings outdoors as a precaution.

AMA (SA) president Dr John Williams. Picture: AMA

“I am a little reserved about saying we have reached a peak but these numbers are promising,” he said.

“There is no need to panic but we now do know the risks and have a toolbox of measures to deal with Covid.

“People over 65 should talk to their GP about a vaccine booster shot, and we know the general measures of good hand hygiene, social distancing and masks do work, and there are antivirals for treatment.
“I know people don’t want to wear masks all the time but while case numbers are high and with Christmas social events coming up it would be a great precaution for people over 65 and vulnerable groups to wear masks in public.”

SA Health encourages all eligible people to make sure they are up to date with Covid vaccinations and have a plan with their GP to access antiviral treatments if they catch the disease.

As announced on September 1, 2023, the government has accepted updated advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) that recommends all adults aged 75 years and older should receive an additional COVID-19 booster vaccine dose if six months have passed since their last dose.

ATAGI also advises that adults aged 65 to 74 years, and those aged 18 to 64 years who are severely immunocompromised, should consider an additional dose if six months have passed since their last dose in consultation with their healthcare provider.