Pirola variant: Dangerous new covid strain reaches SA

Vulnerable people have been urged to protect themselves until a more effective vaccine can reach Australian shores.

A dangerous new Covid variant has been detected in South Australia for the first time, with almost a dozen cases reported amid warnings from experts there is no adequate protection against it.

SA Health has confirmed at least nine cases of new Pirola variant have been identified in the past week.

UniSA Epidemiologist, professor Adrian Esterman, said while not a lot was known about the new strain, vulnerable groups have been urged to wear masks until a more effective vaccine arrives in the country.

Professor Adrian Esterman said face masks were the best option until a vaccine arrived. Picture: David Mariuz

“For those as risk, the elderly people and those with impaired immune systems, it is important they protect themselves,” he told 7NEWS.

“The new vaccine is the best way to do that, but until it’s available, certainly I’d be wearing a new face mask when they go shopping.”

Professor Esterman confirmed the new vaccine was expected to arrive in the country by the end of the year.

The new variant comes amid a sharp spike in Covid cases in the past fortnight across the state, with SA Health confirming hospitalisation rates have tripled.