South Australian coronavirus cluster grows to 33 at Parafield

South Australia has recorded two new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, both linked to the Parafield cluster.

Medical staff talk to people at a walk in station at Parafield Airport in Adelaide. Picture: AFP

South Australia has recorded two new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, both linked to the Parafield cluster — which has now grown to 33 cases.

The two new cases are a child linked to the family at the centre of the cluster and a man in his thirties — a “casual contact” of a previous case.

SA’s Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier said both cases were in quarantine and posed no further risk to the wider community.

Professor Spurrier said the child had originally tested negative but subsequently returned a positive result.

The total number of cases associated with the cluster is now 33, with 19 cases remaining active across the state.

About 5800 close contacts, or contacts of close contacts, have been identified to date in the wake of the cluster.

A woman, the only case who was being treated in hospital, has been discharged.

The total number of confirmed cases in SA since the pandemic began sits at 561.

It comes ahead of an expected relaxation of border restrictions with Victoria, which are due to be eased from midnight on Monday.

A raft of other changes to restrictions will also kick in from December 1.

Meanwhile, NSW has officially recorded three weeks with no local transmission of COVID-19 as health authorities urge people to stay safe while avoiding the severe heat this weekend.

Eight new coronavirus cases were acquired overseas and detected in hotel quarantine in the 24 hours to Saturday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 4375.

The state’s health system is treating 74 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in intensive care. Most cases, 97 per cent, are being treated in non-acute, out-of-hospital care.

NSW Health is urging people to practise COVID-19 safe behaviour while taking the necessary precautions to avoid heat stress this weekend.

“People who can cool their home through a combination of fans, air-conditioning and closed blinds are asked to do so and stay at home,” NSW Health said in a statement on Saturday.

“This is so physical distancing in other indoor spaces where people may seek respite from the heat is not compromised. People going to the beach or pool should keep 1.5m from anyone other than those in their own household. To ensure everyone has an opportunity to enjoy the water and keep out of the heat, we encourage people to swim and leave.”

The health authority said, while the state has gone 21 days without a locally acquired case of COVID-19, there still may be transmission among people with mild or no symptoms.

“As always, everyone is encouraged to continue to come forward for testing if they have even the mildest symptoms that could signal COVID-19, such as a runny nose or scratchy throat,” NSW Health said.