The number of new COVID-19 cases in South Australia has jumped by more than 1,000 over the past week, as experts warn another wave of infection is starting across the country.
There has been 3,797 new COVID-19 cases reported in South Australia over the past week, compared to 2,851 cases the previous week.
It is the highest number of cases reported in the state since early September, when South Australia was bouncing back from a winter wave.
SA Health said the rise was "in line with increases in other states, and modelling that projected a wave in November".
"It is also consistent with increases in our wastewater monitoring counts," its statement reads.
There was a 25-per-cent increase in COVID-19 cases recorded in Victoria and New South Wales last week, with experts saying the next wave was starting to be felt across the country.
The South Australian government has previously warned cases would rise in November, as immunity across the population wanes.
There are currently 53 people in hospital with COVID-19 in South Australia, with six requiring intensive care.
SA Health said there have been 29 COVID-19 deaths notified in the past week, with the ages ranging from people in their 40s to people aged over 100 years.
More ambulances and paramedics
The latest figures show 3,567 hours were lost to ramping during October, which is a slight improvement on September figures, but still 16 per cent higher than this time last year.
Ramping levels reached a record high in June, at 3,854 hours lost, while ambulances waited outside for beds to become available.
The state government on Friday announced five new ambulances would be made available by the end of the year, with an additional 36 to join the fleet by the middle of next year.
"Our ambos report that, even on days when ramping is low, there are still not enough ambulances to cope with demand and respond on time," Health Minister Chris Picton said.
"These new crews will help South Australians to get help in an emergency when they need it."
The government has also recruited 44 new paramedics to try to reduce ramping wait times.
Mr Piction said that, out of the new recruits, 32 would be based at Marion and Edwardstown, with each site setting up a new around-the-clock paramedic crew to fill a high-priority gap in ambulance coverage for the inner-southern suburbs.
A crew of 12 paramedics will also be based at Gawler by the end of the year.
Amy Defluiter, who has worked for the South Australian Ambulance Service for 10 years, welcomed the additional resources.
"Demand from the community has risen exceptionally and resources, unfortunately, have not risen yet, which is why I'm quite excited about the upcoming increases in ambulances on the road and in staffing," she said.
"I think that will really serve the community a lot better."
