SA Covid update: Everything you need to know before Christmas

Figures show SA’s Covid peak will hit next week just before we head into Christmas. While most restrictions have eased, there’s a lot you need to know for a safe festive season.

While South Australia has entered its new Covid-normal, the state’s health chief has warned not to be complacent heading into the festive season.

The state is expected to hit the peak of the latest Omicron wave this week, as cases plateau and drive-through PCR testing clinics are wound down.

SA recorded 9000 Covid cases in the week from November 18 to 25, with 140 people hospitalised and 11 of those in ICU.

Of those hospitalised, 97 people had received three or more vaccine doses, 35 people were either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated and eight had an unknown vaccination status.

There were eight Covid deaths notified in the past week, with ages ranging from their 40s to 90s.

The latest Covid figure represents a 3 per cent increase in cases, down from a 15 per cent increase the week prior and 70 per cent increase before that.

Chief public health officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said while it was too early to definitively say SA had hit its Covid peak, cases were beginning to plateau.

Up to 500,000 RAT kits will be available at existing RAT collection points for people to collect free of charge until the end of the year, with concession or close-contact eligibility criteria scrapped.

While most of the state’s Covid restrictions have been lifted, there is still plenty you need to know to make sure you stay Covid-safe during the festive season.

How many Covid cases are there in SA?

South Australia has already surpassed the projected peak in Covid cases – get the latest weekly case numbers updates here.

There have now been more than 1000 deaths in South Australia due to the virus.

When is SA’s next Covid peak expected to hit?

Modelling from SAHMRI and the University of Adelaide predicted up to 1000 Omicron cases per day and up to 300 hospital admissions in the week of November 28, but that number was surpassed a week earlier than expected.

Prof Spurrier said there would likely be more infections in the community than official figure suggested.

The rate of total infections, which includes people who don’t test or are asymptomatic, was predicted closer to 10,000 cases in one week.

Professor Nicola Spurrier has warned against Covid complacency. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Naomi Jellicoe

Is the Covid pandemic over in Adelaide?

While South Australia has few remaining Covid restrictions as we “live with the virus”, the pandemic is not yet over in Adelaide.

The health chief urged people to “think about wearing masks” in crowded or indoor spaces over the next few weeks, particularly while shopping.

She also asked commuters to consider wearing masks on public transport, despite the state’s mask mandate for public transport being dropped in September – but said the reintroduction of Covid restrictions was “not necessary”.

Prof Spurrier said she did not see “anything on the horizon” that would require Covid restrictions to be enforced.

“It is nice to get to a place in the pandemic where we don’t have a lot of rules that the government has put in place, that people are able to take their own individual responsibility,” she said.

Those visiting vulnerable settings such as healthcare or aged care facilities have been urged to wear masks and avoid attending if unwell over the festive period.

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said South Australians could likely enjoy a “normal” Christmas, but must not be selfish by leaving home sick.

How and where can I get tested for Covid-19?

Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 should undertake a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT), which are available at supermarkets and chemists.

Free RAT kits will also be available at existing RAT collection points for people to collect free-of-charge until the end of the year, with concession or close contact eligibility criteria scrapped.

PCR testing remains open for anyone with Covid-19 symptoms or close contacts of cases, with both walk-in and pre-booked options available.

But the state’s drive-through PCR testing sites will be wound down over the coming month, with all expected to be closed by January 8.

When the final clinic closes, PCR tests will no longer be free without a GP referral.

Even if you test negative on a RAT or PCR, you should still stay at home until you are well if you are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms.

If you test positive, you should:

• Stay home until your acute symptoms have cleared (usually five to seven days)
• If you must leave the house, wear a mask when indoors or on public transport
• Avoid large gatherings and crowded indoor places
• Don’t visit people at high risk of severe illness, or anyone in a hospital, or aged or disability care facility for at least seven days.

The health chief said those eligible for antivirals, such as people with chronic conditions or the elderly, should see their GP and seek a pathology form in advance to access a PCR test if symptoms arise.

Shoppers have been urged to keep their masks on during the busy Black Friday sales. Picture: Morgan Sette

How do I report that I have Covid?

Mandatory reporting of Covid test results is no longer required, but Professor Spurrier has “strongly encouraged” South Australians to do so.

If you test positive for Covid-19 on a RAT test, you can inform SA Health using the online form here, or call the Communicable Disease Control Branch on 1300 232 272, 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

If you cannot submit online and test positive outside of those hours, you can call the next business day.

What signs are there that I might have Covid-19?

With many South Australians now fully vaccinated, Prof Spurrier said it was likely that symptoms could go undetected.

However, there can still be signs that you’ve contracted the virus. Common symptoms include:

• fever
• coughing
• sore throat
• shortness of breath.

Other symptoms include:

• runny nose or congestion
• headache or fatigue
• muscle or joint pains
• nausea or loss of appetite
• diarrhoea or vomiting
• temporary loss of smell or altered sense of taste.

A fact sheet on identifying Covid-19 symptoms can be found here.

How long after I’ve had Covid is it safe for me to leave my home?

While the infection period varies from person to person, you are generally considered infections from 48 hours before symptoms start and recovered after seven days – if asymptomatic by that time.

However, some people may be infectious for up to 10 days.

You may test positive even after your symptoms have waned – this is because of “viral shedding”, where remnants of Covid remain in your system.

Mandatory isolation requirements for Covid-19 lifted last month, but Prof Spurrier has still encouraged people to be sensible and self-isolate if they are sick and wear masks – including around the house – as a precaution if they do test positive.

Where can I get my fourth booster Covid vaccine?

A fourth booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine is recommended for at-risk groups, such as:

• Adults aged 50 years and over
• Residents of aged care or disability care facilities
• People aged 16 years and over with:
  • severe immunocompromise
    
  • a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness
    
  • disability with significant or complex health needs or multiple comorbidities which increase risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19.
    

People aged 30 years and over are eligible to receive a fourth (booster) dose if they choose.

To be eligible, three months must have passed since your third dose and it must have been more than three months since your last positive Covid-19 test result.

Fourth booster doses are available at SA Health clinics, GPs and pharmacies.