‘Hopeful signs’ SA at its Omicron peak, records 3829 new Covid-19 cases

The premier said there were ‘hopeful signs’ the state was at its Omicron peak as 3829 new Covid-19 infections were recorded on Monday.

South Australia’s Omicron outbreak could be at its peak, as the state recorded 3829 new Covid-19 cases and zero deaths in the past 24 hours.

It comes as the state had 3450 reported infections on Sunday which decreased from 4349 the day before and 5679 on Friday.

Premier Steven Marshall has long said that the state’s peak would hit around mid to late January.

Updated Omicron modelling released last week revealed SA was headed for a peak of up to 40,000 a day by the third week of the month if harsh restrictions were not imposed on Boxing Day.

On Monday, the premier said the day’s total number of new cases was still below the state’s seven day average.

South Australia has recorded 3829 new Covid-19 cases on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

“It is very stable at the moment but we can’t be complacent at the moment,” Mr Marshall said.

“We’re starting to see some very hopeful signs we’re at the peak in South Australia.

“We’re about in equilibrium – in the past two days we’ve had more people recovered than are infected.”

The modelling by Professor Joshua Ross at the University of Adelaide showed the daily cases would likely peak at between 6,000 and 10,000.

While Mr Marshall said he was “pretty confident” SA hit its peak, he added “human behaviour” was the variant that could change that and result in the predicted numbers.

“Where it goes (from here) is dependant on human behaviour.

“More people are working from home where they can … We don‘t want to see a massive increase in mobility — that will set it off even further.”

Of the new cases over the past 24 hours, 2860 were detected through PCR tests and 969 were from RAT kits.

Currently, 227 infected people are in hospital with 26 in intensive care and five on a ventilator.

Premier Steven Marshall said there were “very hopeful signs” the state was at its peak. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Emma Brasier

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, who recently came out of isolation after testing positive, said about 300 staff from SA Police were currently in quarantine.

He said 129 officers had returned a positive result and about 190 were also isolating after being deemed a close contact.

“At this point in time we’re able to manage,” Mr Stevens said.

“It does put some stresses on us in terms of our operational capability but not to the extent that it impacts on the service we’re providing.”