Covid cases surge in SA, as experts warn of ‘triple threat’ virus

Covid cases are on the rise in SA as the state enters the next wave of infections – with experts worried it may be just the tip of the iceberg.

Covid cases have surged in SA, with experts worried the rise in cases may just be the tip of the iceberg leading up to flu season.

More than 2,300 new Covid cases were reported in SA in the past week, compared to 1712 cases reported in the week prior.

There were 59 people in hospital, including three in ICU.

The deaths of eight people, aged in their 70s and 80s, were reported this week.

NewsWire Photos October 13, 2022: Professor Nicola Spurrier speaking at a press conference in regards to the COVID changes in the SA Health Media Room in Hindmarsh Square. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

On Friday, Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said the spike signalled the start of another Covid-19 wave.

“We are really, it looks like, at the beginning of this next wave of Covid,” she said.

She said the number of Covid cases had increased by 37 per cent since last week but did not blame the spike on Mad March festivities.

“Regardless of this, we would still be getting a wave,” she said.

“It had been fairly flat for a while and this is really the first week for a long time that we’re now starting to see those cases increase,” Prof Spurrier said. 

“This is not surprising and it is something that we had predicted.”

Prof Spurrier said new modelling released in recent weeks was “about two weeks behind” the new spike in case numbers.

“We’re also unfortunately starting to see an increase in our hospitalisations,” she said.

She said it was consistent with case numbers across the country and urged people with symptoms to stay home.

“If you are sick, do not go to that Fringe concert that you’ve booked,” she said.

“If you’ve got symptoms the best thing to do is to stay well away from people.”

Health experts also warned our state of the “triple threat” virus leading up to this year flu season.

The “triple virus” combines Covid, the flu and respiratory syncytial virus which may hit South Australian’s earlier than normal flu season.

Australian National University infectious disease expert, Dr Nick Coatsworth said GP’s and hospitals will need to adequately prepare before cases run rampant across the state.

“There is a triple threat this year and the urgency for early protection is real,” Dr Coatsworth said.

“As GPs and hospitals across the country stretch their capacity to record levels, the demand is only ongoing to worsen if we all get sick.”

Originally published as Covid cases surge in SA, as experts warn of ‘triple threat’ virus