In this issue
- COVID-19 reinfection is possible after 8 weeks.
- COVID-19 outbreaks in communities.
- How to vote at this weekend’s election if you have COVID-19 or are a close contact.
- COVID-19 vaccination rates for the Aboriginal population.
- Get your COVID-19 and flu shots at the same time.
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COVID-19 reinfection is possible after 8 weeks
Recently, people in community have become reinfected with COVID-19 after having COVID-19 earlier this year.
If you have recovered from COVID-19, you do not need to get tested for COVID-19 and will not be considered a close contact for 8 weeks.
Although people have some level of protection from COVID-19 if they have had it, we have seen people catch COVID-19 again.
Protect yourself and your mob from getting sick and remember:
- If you have COVID-19 symptoms, even if you had COVID-19 before, get a PCR test and stay at home until you have a negative result
- get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you have recovered. Children should wait up to 4 months after recovering from COVID-19 before getting vaccinated.
- continue to practice COVID safe behaviours, including hand washing, wearing a mask indoors when in public, physical distancing (staying 2 steps away) from others, covering coughs and sneezes, staying away from others if you’re unwell and not sharing food, drinks and smokes where possible.
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COVID Outbreaks in community
In the last week, over 600 Aboriginal South Australians have tested positive to COVID-19. A total of 7,347 Aboriginal people have tested positive for COVID-19 since the border opened in November, 2021.
Current outbreak locations include:
- Adelaide Metro
- APY Lands
- Ceduna
- Coober Pedy
- Port Augusta
It’s more important than ever that we continue doing the simple things that keep us safe – reducing the risk of catching and spreading the virus in the community.
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How to vote at this weekend’s election if you have COVID-19 or are a close contact
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If you have COVID-19 or are a close contact, you cannot attend a polling booth to vote at the SA election this Saturday 19 March.
If you are isolating, in quarantine or have COVID-19 symptoms, you have these options:
- If you have internet access at home, you may leave to collect a ballot pack after registering via https://cvs.ecsa.sa.gov.au.
You must follow the rules to collect the ballot pack.
- If you don’t have internet access at home, you may leave to collect a ballot pack after calling the Electoral Commission of SA (ECSA) 1300 655 232.
You must follow the rules to collect the ballot pack and post the ballot pack.
- If you are in a medi-hotel or COVID Accommodation Support Centre on 17, 18 or 19 March 2022, you can request to be given voting papers at the medi-hotel or COVID Accommodation Support Centre.
- If you don’t have a car or are too far from a collection point, contact the call centre on 1300 655 232, and they will work with you to make other arrangements.
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People who are able to vote in person are reminded to be COVID safe:
- wear a mask
- wash or sanitise hands
- physically distance (2 big steps) away from others before, during and after voting.
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Vaccine update: COVID-19 vaccination rates
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The latest data for South Australia shows 78% of the state’s Aboriginal population aged 12 years and older has had their first dose and 35% of 5 to 11 year olds have had their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
If you haven’t had your COVID-19 vaccine yet and would like to ask questions and get vaccinated, clinics are still open.
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Get your COVID-19 and flu shots at the same time.
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With flu season approaching, COVID-19 in many communities and less restrictions, people are more likely to spread germs and diseases in the coming months.
Protect yourself and your mob before the flu season arrives and reduce your need to go to the clinic or hospital for medical care.
Vaccinating against the flu and COVID-19 will reduce the risk of a dangerous double-up that could make some people very sick, as both diseases affect the respiratory system.
Everyone 5 years and over can have the COVID-19 vaccine and the influenza (flu vaccine) on the same day, at the same time.
COVID-19 vaccines can also be given with other vaccines if needed. This includes routine childhood and adolescent vaccines.
Contact your local clinic or health service to arrange your shots today.
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South Australian COVID-19 Cases
As at 17 March 2022,
Aboriginal population
- Over 627 people tested positive for COVID-19 in the last week.
- 7,347 people tested positive for COVID-19 in total*
- 7 people have sadly passed away from COVID-19 in total*
Whole of SA population
- 18,975 people tested positive for COVID-19 in the last week
- 191,217 people tested positive for COVID-19 in total**
- 228 people have sadly passed away from COVID-19 in total**
* since the borders opened on 23 November 2021.
** since the pandemic started in South Australia in January 2020.
Follow us on Facebook for daily updates on cases, testing and vaccinations.
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SA Health is your trusted source for information on COVID-19.
For more information visit our website and follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
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