South Australia records 634 new Covid cases on Christmas Day

SA Health has released nearly 20 new exposure sites, some dating back to a week ago. It comes as SA records 634 new cases, a slight drop on Friday.

This coronavirus article is unlocked and free to read in the interest of community health and safety. Get full digital access to trusted news from The Advertiser and Messenger with our great introductory offer.

South Australia has recorded 634 new Covid cases on Christmas Day, with about 80 per cent of those believed to be the Omicron variant of the virus.

The number is a slight decline from the 688 positive test results reported on Christmas Eve.

There were also fewer tests conducted – 21,500 results contributed to the Christmas Day numbers, while 23,500 results were included on Christmas Eve.

SA Health published a list of 18 new exposure sites on Saturday evening, including CBD clubs Fat Controller and The Dog and Duck, as well as the Woolshed on Hindley, Hains and Co and the West Oak Hotel and other suburb spots.

However, several of the sites were listed at times longer than a week ago, meaning the isolation period for close contacts would already be over.

Saturday’s results revealed a surge in hospitalisations, with 12 patients now hospitalised, two in intensive care and one ventilated.

Of the 12, four are fully vaccinated, one is partly-vaccinated and seven are unvaccinated.

The ventilated patient is a person in their thirties.

Overall, the Christmas Day cases include 269 vaccinated people and 40 unvaccinated people, while the vaccination status of the remainder is unknown.

There are now 2469 active cases in the state.

Amid the rising numbers, the Covid-ready committee, chaired by Premier Steven Marshall, met on Saturday and is expected to meet every day until further notice.

It is understood Mr Marshall has cancelled his Christmas leave to focus on the issue.