South Australia records 'significant jump' in COVID-19 cases, two more deaths - 9News

New business support measures have been announced after South Australia recorded another jump in COVID-19 cases and two more deaths before hot weather hampered testing efforts.

The South Australia government on Friday announced a new $40 million assistance package to support businesses impacted by the pandemic.

Compensation will vary by business type and revenue

Premier Steven Marshall confirmed two more COVID-19 positive people have died in South Australia. (9News)

Businesses in the tourism, hospitality and fitness industry may be eligible for up to $22,000 — an automatic payment of $11,000 and potentially $11,000 more on application.

Liquor licence fees may also be waived to reduce the burden on hospitality businesses.

Other affected business can receive hardship payments of up to $8,000.

Major events that have been cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19 may be eligible for $100,000.

Two deaths and more than 2000 cases

Overnight, 2093 new infections were recorded, with South Australian Premier Steven Marshall confirming both of the people who died were in aged care and COVID-19 positive at the time of their deaths.

Their causes of death have not been confirmed and have been referred to the coroner.

The number of new cases has increased by hundreds, after 1374 infections reported yesterday.

"This (increase) would seem to be linked to activities that occurred on and around Christmas Day," Mr Marshall said of the "significant jump".

"Yes, there has been another surge today, I think we will see the numbers jumping around a bit.

"Hopefully those numbers start to taper off in the coming days."

Residents are being urged to seek a test only if symptomatic and to book an appointment beforehand. (9News)

Currently, 44 people are in hospital with "COVID-related issues."

Just four patients are in intensive care.

Dead toddler's family plead for privacy

Mr Marshall said he had received correspondence from the child's family.

"They are pleading for some privacy at this time," he said.

"This is a traumatic time for their family."

The child's death is in addition to the death of a woman in her 90s this week who also contracted the virus. The causes of their deaths are yet to be confirmed and have been referred to the coroner.

State introduces booster shot mandate

Mr Marshall also announced a third COVID-19 vaccine will be made mandatory for workers in high-risk settings like healthcare and aged care.

"Suffice to say, three doses will become mandatory for those sectors where it's already mandatory (to get vaccinated)," he said.

The state will make booster vaccines mandatory across certain industries. (Photo by Pierre Crom/Getty Images) (Getty)

Testing sites close as temperature soars

The closures came after a record day of testing yesterday, with 25,943 tests conducted.

"South Australia currently has the second highest testing rate per capita in the nation," Mr Marshall said.

"And the second fastest turnaround times of any jurisdiction."

South Australia Health confirmed the facilities will re-open at 5:30pm.

"We will open them right up to midnight," Mr Marshall added.

"We've further set up a facility in Hindmarsh. This will run from 10:30am today."

He urges anyone seeking a test to book in for an appointment first and to not seek one if asymptotic.

Changes for interstate travellers

Interstate travellers will no longer be required to do an entry check and rapid antigen test prior to entry to the state.

The changes are "effective immediately".

"It's not a good use of our resources at the moment," Mr Marshall said.

"We are asking all of those travellers coming from interstate to observe exactly the same situation as all South Australians. That is, to monitor their symptoms, and to take action should they develop."

In addition, fully vaccinated international arrivals will not have to quarantine in the state from midnight tonight.

"It is still a requirement for those not fully vaccinated to do 14 days in a medi-hotel,"Mr Marshall said.

Victoria recorded 5,919 new COVID-19 cases and seven deaths.

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https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMikwFodHRwczovL3d3dy45bmV3cy5jb20uYXUvbmF0aW9uYWwvY29yb25hdmlydXMtdXBkYXRlLXNvdXRoLWF1c3RyYWxpYS1yZWNvcmRzLTIwOTMtbmV3LWNvdmlkMTktY2FzZXMtdHdvLWRlYXRocy82YWVhYWU1Mi1lMzE5LTQ3MDItYWFiYy0xMGQ3NmQwMWVmODLSAQA?oc=5

2021-12-31 12:05:27Z
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