Pandemic restrictions introduced on Boxing Day have been hailed for proving their value with modelling from the University of Adelaide showing the State avoided a possible peak in COVID-19 cases of 30,000 to 40,000 per day.
Commenting on the finding, Premier, Steven Marshall said the updated Omicron modelling by Professor of Applied Mathematics at the University of Adelaide, Joshua Ross showed that without an increase in public health measures, South Australia would have seen tens of thousands more cases in January.
Mr Marshall applauded the public for doing the right thing when restrictions were announced, as daily cases were now likely peak between 6,000 and 10,000.
“The Boxing Day restrictions, along with the willingness from South Australians to roll up and get a booster shot has meant the State was able to reduce the transmission potential of the Omicron variant by 45% to 63%,” he said.
The Premier said projected modelling remained slightly uncertain and depended heavily on people’s behaviour over coming weeks, however, modelling predicted the current wave to peak between 15 and 25 January.
“The median daily number of new cases on 31 January is estimated to be around 5,800 cases; one week later, that will likely reduce to around 3,600 cases; and two weeks’ later it will have reduced to around 1,800 cases – dramatically decreasing our kids getting Covid in our schools,” Mr Marshall said.
“I thank every single South Australian who has continued to make sacrifices at a time where all we wanted to do was celebrate with family and friends,” he said.
“However, as this modelling says – these sacrifices have been instrumental in keeping our State safe and strong.”
Chief Public Health Officer, Nicola Spurrier said that at the peak, modelling predicted around 370 hospital admissions and 50 people in ICU at top occupancy.
