South Australian opposition leader tests positive for Covid-19 as the state records 2552 new cases

South Australia’s opposition leader has revealed he has tested positive to Covid, releasing a statement about his symptoms as the state recorded 2552 cases.

South Australia’s opposition leader Peter Malinauskas has revealed he tested positive for Covid-19, as the state recorded a further 2552 new cases.

The Labor leader said in a statement on Monday that he had cold-like symptoms and had gone into isolation.

His wife and children have so far returned negative results.

“Today, I learnt I have tested positive for Covid-19,” he said.

“This is an experience I share right now with thousands of other South Australians.

“I’m happy to say I feel well, I just have some very minor cold-like symptoms.

“Thankfully, Annabel and our three children have all returned negative tests.

“I will now isolate at home in accordance with SA Health rules.”

Today I tested positive for COVID-19.

My thoughts are with every South Australian at the moment dealing with a difficult challenge. pic.twitter.com/XDQ5Ii7O7b

— Peter Malinauskas (@PMalinauskasMP) January 3, 2022

Earlier, Premier Steven Marshall said there had been an increase in the number of people in hospital, with the figure now at 94.

Nine people are in intensive care but none are on a ventilator.

“It really is fitting the pattern that this is far more transmissible, but the symptoms are far less than what we were envisaging of course with Delta, and of course the vast majority are all Omicron patients,” Mr Marshall told reporters.

There are also 90 people within the prison population who are Covid-positive.

“All of these people are in a stable condition. We’re not seeing any deterioration there,” Mr Marshall said.

“But the numbers, unfortunately, are escalating and so this is something we’re keeping a very, very close handle on.”

Premier Steven Marshall gave the update on Monday. Picture: Dean Martin

The Premier said the vast majority of test results had also been received for the Sobering Up Unit at Port Augusta and there were no further positive cases.

“I think we’ve dodged a bullet – this is a particularly vulnerable cohort,” he said.

“There was somebody working in that facility for five days who was Covid-positive, obviously wasn’t shedding that disease particularly strongly and we’ve had no positive cases. So we’re very pleased.”

Mr Marshall also revealed there had been more than 19,000 tests conducted on Sunday.

But he said it was a low day for vaccinations, which he attributed to it being New Year’s Day.

Cars line up at the Victoria Park Pakapakanthi Covid-19 drive through testing clinic. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Naomi Jellicoe

The Premier also announced two changes to the state’s directions, including the definition of a “close contact”.

“We’ve been narrowing and narrowing that definition down because we’re balancing the issues associated with the spread of the disease with the workforce availability,” he said.

“I think we’ve got it about right. We’re signed up to the national cabinet position, which is that household and intimate contacts are automatically designated as close contacts.

“Secondly, we have two other areas of exception – one with vulnerable cohorts, for example, aged care and also Aboriginal communities.

“These are areas where we’re not looking to scale that down.”

Mr Marshall said the other change was when there was a significant transmission at a particular premises.

SA Pathology testing site waiting times at 9.30am:
Elizabeth South 1-1.5hrs
Ridgehaven 1-2hrs
Hampstead 3 hrs
Port Adel 1hr
Repat <1hr
Victoria Park
- Bookings 2-2.5 hrs
- Non bookings 3 hrs
Bedford Park <1hr
RAH <1hr
Aldinga 2-3 hrs
Mount Gambier <1hr
Bordertown <1hr pic.twitter.com/SMc37zMtaP

— SA Health (@SAHealth) January 3, 2022

Following a great deal of confusion in recent days, Mr Marshall also provided clarity for people about the timing for the spread of the virus.

“If you are face-to-face, without masks, indoors then you will be designated a close contact if you have been there for more than 15 minutes,” he said.

“It doesn’t apply to, for example, if you’re in a restaurant and the waiter is wearing a mask, then they wouldn’t be designated a close contact.

“But it’s quite clear, if you’re out with somebody who is Covid-positive, face-to-face, without a mask, indoors for more than 15 minutes, it’s very likely that you are also Covid-positive.”

The Premier also announced that elective surgeries would be banned for all but urgent category 1 and 2 cases from 12.01am on Tuesday.

Originally published as South Australian opposition leader tests positive for Covid-19 as the state records 2552 new cases