South Australia Covid cases soar to 688 new infections on Christmas Eve, rapid antigen tests legal

South Australia has reported an enormous 688 new Covid infections on Christmas Eve, and two children are now in hospital with the virus.

SA Premier Steven Marshall and the state’s chief public health officer Nicola Spurrier announced the huge surge in cases at a press conference before midday on Christmas Eve.

‘I know this isn’t the message people want to hear today,’ the Premier said.

He urged people to think carefully about plans to visit loved ones over Christmas and said the should be considering outdoor gatherings.

Ms Spurrier said the state has ‘no intentions’ of shutting its borders in response. 

The Premier said an earlier plan to ease Covid restrictions for the state has had to be abandoned. 

‘The sheer volume of cases could overwhelm health systems right around the world if we don’t take action,’ Mr Marshall said.

‘There’s no way when we are very concerned about cases here, around the country and around the world that were going to easing restrictions.

‘We’ll be monitoring the numbers very very carefully.’

One person is in ICU in SA, a man in his 30s.

SA Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier advised people to get rapid antigen tests on the morning of visiting loved ones

A further seven are in hospitals, including two children. 

Five of the eight people in SA hospitals with Covid are unvaccinated. 

It comes as the state legalises rapid antigen tests for home use months after the rest of the country.

SA Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier advised people to get rapid antigen tests on the morning of visiting loved ones.

 ‘Do it just before you’re just about to visit don’t do it the day before,’ she said.