South Australia has recorded another seven COVID-linked deaths — the highest number of fatal cases reported in the state since the start of the pandemic.
The deaths include six women aged between 60 to 100 and one man in his 90s.
Premier Steven Marshall said some of the deaths have occurred in recent days, but have only been reported now because there was not a requirement to report deaths to SA Health within a specific time frame.
He also said it was not clear “whether they died of COVID or with COVID”.
The state has recorded 3,715 new cases of COVID-19 — 794 more than yesterday.
Mr Marshall said 190 people were now in hospital and 27 people were in intensive care, including six on ventilators.
Yesterday there were 211 people in hospital with 22 people in ICU and four on ventilators.
Mr Marshall said there were 17,691 vaccinations given out yesterday, including 1,500 people who had their first dose.
Mr Marshall announced an additional 10,000 paediatric doses will be delivered to GPs and pharmacists this month, in addition to the 10,000 doses announced earlier this week, as the state rolls out vaccinations to children aged five to 11.
Today’s positive cases include 524 SA Health staff, bringing the total number of healthcare workers furloughed due to being COVID-positive or a close contact to 892.
However, Mr Marshall reiterated that some of those staff who were isolating were still working by supporting COVID-positive patients remotely.
More to come.
Posted , updated
