Mandatory face masks introduced in Lyell McEwin and Modbury hospitals as Covid wave hits SA
Mandatory face masks have returned in certain settings in South Australia as a new Covid wave that has caused a spike in cases grips the state.
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The state’s chief public health officer has ruled out further public Covid mandates as Lyell McEwin and Modbury hospitals bring back mandatory face masks.
It comes as infection numbers mount across the state, with the Department of Education revealing 141 school staff were Covid-positive last Friday during high school exams, rising from 82 cases the week prior.
Professor Nicola Spurrier said the Northern Adelaide Local Hospital Network has made masks compulsory in clinical areas for staff and visitors, but decisions about how to manage the present Covid wave remains with hospital chiefs who will assess on a case-by-case basis.
“Generally, we will not be making mandates – it is up to individual hospitals and aged care facilities, they know what to do,” Professor Spurrier said.
“They have the information and knowledge about how to manage outbreaks.”
Professor Spurrier said older and immunocompromised people should seek health advice about booster shots, revealing that only 50 per cent of age care residents across Australia have taken a second booster per public health advice.
“Also thinking that it’s coming up to the festive season, this is when aged care facilities – like the rest of South Australia – like to get out and have more activities,” Professor Spurrier said.
“That might be visits from schoolchildren, or choirs, and having more visitors in those facilities, so it’s really important to get those vulnerable South Australians protected ASAP.”
South Australia last week recorded 2493 Covid cases compared to 1089 two weeks ago, with Health Minister Chris Picton confirming the state is “in the middle of another wave of Covid”.
“The latest update from speaking to our hospital chiefs is we’re starting to see that increase (in cases) in our hospitals,” Mr Picton said.
“But it also has an impact in terms of the precautions, treatments, and PPE requirements around Covid-19 are lengthier in terms of treating that person.
“It also causes issues with hospitals that don’t have single rooms such as Flinders Medical Centre.”
Meanwhile, an Education Deparment spokeswoman said Covid measures in the school system would remain as are with no compulsory mask-wearing.
“COVID safe measures are regularly reviewed and in line with current SA Health advice,” the spokeswoman said.
“If a child or staff member tests positive for COVID they notify their preschool, early learning service, school or OSHC and we ask they not attend for five days if positive, or while symptomatic.”
It comes as a cruise ship in the midst of twin Covid and gastro outbreaks docked in Adelaide on Monday morning.
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