COVID-19 update 22 December 2023
22 December 2023
COVID cases in SA
There have been 1,657 new cases of COVID-19 reported in South Australia in the past week.
As of 11:59pm Tuesday 19 December, there were 65 people with COVID-19 in hospital and six people in ICU.
There were 15 new COVID-19 deaths notified to the Department for Health and Wellbeing. Please note, Births, Deaths and Marriages data is currently received on a monthly basis.
Total case breakdown
| This week | Previous week | |
|---|---|---|
| New cases | 1,657 | 1,702 |
| Total cases | 953,115 | 951,458 |
| Total deaths | 15 | 1,663 |
COVID testing
In the past week, 5,291 people received a PCR test in South Australia, a two per cent increase on the previous week.
From 1 January, South Australians who require a COVID-19 PCR will need a referral from their GP, following the expiry of the National Partnership Agreement for COVID Testing with the Commonwealth Government.
Most people can do a Rapid Antigen Test if they are at low risk of severe COVID-19 illness but have symptoms. If you test positive to COVID-19 using a rapid antigen test, you do not need a PCR to confirm.
SA Health encourages everyone to make sure they are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and for the most vulnerable to have a plan with their GP to access PCR testing and antiviral treatments if they develop symptoms.
Those with a referral can receive a free PCR test at select SA Pathology sites or private pathology providers. More information is available at Testing for COVID-19
Vaccination update
Data is available from Vaccination numbers and
statistics.
COVID testing sites
South Australians can access a PCR with and without a GP referral at SA Pathology sites across the state.
Free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) continue to be available for eligible people through local councils and community groups.
For locations and more information, visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVID-19