COVID Cases in SA
There have been 2,347 new cases of COVID-19 reported in South Australia in the past week.
As of 11:59pm Thursday 16 March, there were 59 people with COVID-19 in hospital, including three in ICU.
Of those hospitalised, 42 people had received three or more vaccine doses and 14 people were either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. Three people had an unknown vaccination status.
There were eight COVID-19 deaths notified in the past week, the ages range from people in their 70s to 80s. Deaths may not have occurred in the week in which they were reported.
Please note that due to a reconfiguration of the data, the total number of cases has been readjusted.
Total case breakdown
| This week | Previous week | |
|---|---|---|
| New cases | 2,347 | 1,712 |
| Total cases | 885,961 | 883,620 |
| Total deaths | 1,360* | 1,365 |
*13 deaths have been removed from the total due to previously reported deaths found to be unrelated to COVID-19
Variants
The latest genome sampling has found 7.2% of samples analysed were BA.5 and related variants (of which 76.5% were the BQ.1 sub-variant), 52.5% of samples analysed were BA.2 and related variants (of which 61.2% were BA.2.7.5). Other recombinant types made up 40.2% of the total variants (of which 78.9% were the XBF recombinant variant).
COVID testing
In the past week, 6,689 people received a PCR test in South Australia, a six per cent increase on the previous week. Of the test results returned, 656 PCR tests were positive and 1,691 positive Rapid Antigen Test results were reported.
Vaccination update
According to Commonwealth Government data, currently 93.8% of eligible South Australians aged 16+ have received their first dose of the vaccine and 92% have received their second dose. Boosters have been administered to 76.2% of eligible South Australians.
Data is available from Vaccination numbers andstatistics.
COVID testing sites
SA Health COVID-19 testing sites are at Bedford Park, Walkley Heights, Frome Road and some regional sites. PCR testing is available at these sites without a GP referral.
RAT eligibility
Free RATs will continue to be available at collection sites for:
- people with disability or who are immunocompromised
- a carer of someone with a disability or who is immunocompromised
- concession card holders (including Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and Department of Veterans Affairs Concession Card)
Eligible people can collect five free tests.
You do not need to register before collecting free RATs but will be required to show your eligible concession card. If you are living with disability or immunocompromised, you or your carer need to advise at the Collection Point. You do not need to provide your name or personal details.
People who are not eligible for free RATs can purchase them from participating pharmacies and retail outlets.
If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, please seek testing as soon as possible.
