SA outbreak of Omicron cases derails plan to ease restrictions

South Australia has scrapped its plan to ease restrictions after recording another 688 new Covid-19 cases on Christmas Eve.

Restrictions that were due to ease in South Australia next week will no longer change because of an Omicron outbreak wreaking havoc across the state.

There were 688 new cases recorded on Friday from more than 20,000 tests.

Eight people are in hospital and one of them, a man in his 30s, is in intensive care.

Based on gene sequencing, 70 per cent of cases in the state are the Omicron variant.

While the strain has a lower severity and fewer symptoms than Delta, its fast transmissibility is concerning authorities.

Premier Steven Marshall said the sheer volume would overwhelm the health system.

South Australia recorded 688 new cases of Covid-19 on Friday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

“South Australia has confronted a situation like this before and by working together, we’ve been able to get through,” he said.

“We need South Australians to continue to work with us through this Omicron outbreak.”

As a result, he said the plan to lift restrictions on December 28 would be postponed until the new year.

“There is just no way at this point when we are so concerned about the steep number of cases in SA, around the country and around the world that we can ease restrictions.

“We’re going to continue to monitor the numbers very closely.”

Residents are also being encouraged to work from home for the next four weeks to try and slow the spread of Omicron.

Premier Steven Marshall said restriction that were due to lift next week won’t be eased until the new year. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Emma Brasier

It comes as the state government finally approved widespread use of rapid antigen tests for people who are asymptomatic but want certainty they won't infect their loved ones or the community.

They will also be beneficial for those looking to enter a high-risk setting, before going out to places where there may be crowds or going to work for some industries.

Those who receive a positive test result must still get a PCR from an approved pathology provider and quarantine until a negative result.

Employees in many sectors, like health, food production, mining, aged care, and transport, already had access and used the screening tests at work.

Under rules changed on Thursday night, people will be able to buy rapid testing kits.

Rapid antigen tests have now been approved for purchase in South Australia. Picture: Chris Kidd

But those with symptoms should still get a PCR test. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

People who have any form of symptom or are considered close contacts are still required to get a PCR test because the chance of them having the virus is much higher.

That test remains the most accurate way to determine infections.

South Australians have been asked to be patient while shops transport and stock the products.

South Australia recorded 484 new Covid cases on Thursday and just 198 on Wednesday.

Rapid tests are conducted through a nasal swab or saliva sample with results taking about 20 minutes.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration approved the supply of the home use tests from November 1.