South Australia (SA) COVID-19 clusters have grown to six, revealing more exposed sites, but state officials still believe they could “pin this in a bud.” , Says Prime Minister Steven Marshall.
One new case is related to a restaurant in Adelaide where a birthday party was held on the weekend. Authorities are concerned that this could be a superspreading event.
A woman in her twenties worked at a Greek restaurant as well as at Westminster School, where she attended teacher training on Monday.
However, the students did not return from school vacation.
The prime minister also revealed that the state government will provide income support to people throughout the state, in addition to federal support for those who are missing out on jobs in Adelaide.
Up to $ 600 per week will be available for those who have lost their jobs.
Marshall thanked the South Australians for complying with the blockade rules and being tested in record numbers.
“There is one shot to stop this outbreak,” Marshall said Wednesday.
“I have a chance to pinch this in a bud. I don’t want a long-term blockade in South Australia.”
The Prime Minister said authorities were “pulling all the levers possible” to improve testing capabilities, as reports of long lines and long wait times at the test center continued.
“We don’t want people to get angry or frustrated late. We’re increasing capacity across test sites,” he said.
“We are doing our best today to significantly increase that capacity.”
The list of SA exposed sites has grown to over 50 and includes major shopping centers and schools.
Nicholas Parrier, Chief Public Health Officer, said SA Health currently has two of the most worrisome locations: a Greek restaurant and the Yattalunga Tenafet Creek Winery north of Adelaide.
She said nearly 6,000 people linking to all 52 exposed sites are currently quarantined at home.
The SA virus cluster is associated with an 81-year-old man who recently arrived in Australia from Argentina, completed quarantine in Sydney, and then traveled to Adelaide to test positive.
Genome tests confirmed that the man was infected while in Sydney instead of Argentina.
During the week-long blockade that began on Tuesday night, South Australians are only allowed for five reasons. That is, providing basic care, seeking medical assistance, buying the food and other products you need, doing important work, or up to two and a half hours.
You also need to wear a mask outside the house.
The school was closed along with most retail stores and all construction work was discontinued.
Police Secretary Grant Stevens said the SA community has done a great job of complying with the blockade rules.
“All the indicators we’ve seen so far are that people are doing the right thing,” he said.
“The streets are empty and the city is empty.
“I’m more hoping than anyone else to be able to keep this blockade for seven days, but there’s a lot to do.”
Other jurisdictions are also acting swiftly to limit people coming from SA, with Tasmania and Queensland closing their borders and Western Australia and the Northern Territory demanding quarantine from people.