Date when South Australia will ease restrictions further revealed despite more cases recorded

One state has finally set a date for easing more Covid restrictions but it won’t be in time for Christmas.

South Australia has unveiled the date it will “reward” its residents when 90 per cent of residents are expected to be fully vaccinated.

Premier Steven Marshall on Friday announced December 28 would be the day restrictions will ease even further.

For those who are fully vaccinated, dancing and standing while drinking will be permitted.

Caps on home gatherings will be removed and Covid management events will increase from 1000 to 3000.

Venues like cinemas and theatres, can go back to 100 per cent capacity for the fully vaccinated, with the exception of nightclubs and indoor gyms which will be allowed to operate with a one person per two square metres density requirement.

It was also revealed quarantine for double dosed overseas arrivals would be reduced from seven days to just 72 hours from December 28.

Premier Steven Marshall announced restrictions will ease on December 28. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Emma Brasier

“I know this will be a huge relief to many people who have been looking for that (restrictions to ease),” Mr Marshall said.

“We're convinced we need to keep the mask mandate in place for all indoor areas at the moment.

“We'll continue to look at it but we know that this (Omicron) is a highly transmissible variant and we know this is a way of protecting ourselves as we gather more information.”

Mr Marshall said the indoor venues that chose to mandate vaccination for patrons would be the only ones rewarded with the changes.

The rules for people who have not had two doses will remain the same.

Mr Marshall couldn't say when restrictions would go altogether.

“We don't have a crystal ball. The reality is we’re very concerned about Omicron … we’re less concerned than we were a few weeks ago.”

There were 64 cases recorded in the state overnight. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Joel Carrett

The premier revealed there were 64 cases recorded in the state overnight, a large jump from the 24 new infections reported on Thursday.

But he reminded residents the state would see that number climb, noting the transmissibility of the Omicron variant.

“We are going to be watching this very closely but are this point in time we’re seeing less severe symptoms from those who have contracted Omicron,” Mr Marshall said.

“There is going to be a differentiation between vaccinated and unvaccinated indoor settings and people may be precluded from doing what they want if they’re not vaccinated.”

So far, more than 85.3 per cent of South Australians are fully vaccinated while more than 91.5 per cent have had one dose.

The Little Hunter restaurant where Australia Test captain Pat Cummins dined was listed an exposure site. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

The bowler was forced to miss the second Ashes series and quarantine for seven days. Picture: William WEST / AFP

The number of exposure sites has ballooned since the Norwood cluster began, and even forced Australian Test captain Pat Cummins to miss the second Ashes series.

The steak dinner at The Little Hunter on Hindley Street in Adelaide CBD landed the gun fast bowler in seven days’ isolation after he became a close contact of a confirmed case, being his friend and former housemate Harry Conway, the Adelaide Strikers Big Bash player.

Popular CBD restaurants, a well-known gym and primary schools are included in the growing exposure list, with more than 1360 people in quarantine.

Originally published as Date when South Australia will ease restrictions further revealed despite more cases recorded