South Australia has recorded another jump in COVID-19 cases and two more deaths overnight, as the state is forced to close a number of testing facilities due to hot weather.
Overnight 2093 new infections were recorded, with South Australian Premier Steven Marshall confirming both of the people who died were in aged care and COVID-19 positive at the time of their deaths.
Their causes of death have not been confirmed and have been referred to the coroner.
Cases have increased by hundreds, as yesterday the state recorded 1374 infections.
"This (increase) would seem to be linked to activities that occurred on and around Christmas Day," Mr Marshall said of the "significant jump".
"Yes, there has been another surge today, I think we will see the numbers jumping around a bit.
"Hopefully those numbers start to taper off in the coming days."
"Hopefully those numbers start to taper off in the coming days."
Currently, 44 people are in hospital with "COVID-relates issues."
Just four patients are in intensive care.
It comes a day after it was announced a COVID-19 positive child under two died.
Mr Marshall said he's received correspondence from the child's family.
"They are pleading for some privacy at this time," he said.
"This is a traumatic time for their family."
The child's death is in addition to the death of a woman in her 90s this week who also contracted the virus. The causes of their deaths are yet to be confirmed and have been referred to the coroner.
State introduces booster shot mandate
Mr Marshall also announced a third COVID-19 vaccine will be made mandatory for workers in high-risk settings liked healthcare and aged care.
"Suffice to say, three doses will become mandatory for those sectors where it's already mandatory (to get vaccinated)," he said.
Hot weather has also forced the closure of more than a dozen PCR testing sites across the state. Temperatures are expected to reach 39C.
It comes after a record day of testing yesterday, with 25943 tests conducted.
"South Australia currently has the second highest testing rate per capita in the nation," Mr Marshall said.
"And the second fastest turnaround times of any jurisdiction."
South Australia Health confirmed the facilities will re-open at 5:30pm.
"We will open them right up to midnight," Mr Marshall added.
"We've further set up a facility in Hindmarsh. This will run from 10:30am today."
He urges anyone seeking a test to book in for an appointment first and to not seek one if asymptotic.
Interstate travellers will no longer be required to do an entry check and rapid-antigen test prior to entry to the state.
The changes are "effective immediately".
"It's not a good use of our resources at the moment," Mr Marshall said.
"We are asking all of those travellers coming from interstate to observe exactly the same situation as all South Australians. That is, to monitor their symptoms, and to take action should they develop."
In addition, fully vaccinated international arrivals will not have to quarantine in the state from midnight tonight.
"It is still a requirement for those not fully vaccinated to do 14 days in a medi-hotel,"Mr Marshall said.
New South Wales recorded a massive jump in case numbers today, amassing a total of 21,151 new infections and another six deaths.
Victoria recorded 5,919 new COVID-19 cases and seven deaths.
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