South Australia has recorded the highest number of COVID-related hospitalisations since February 1, just days out from the expected easing of mask rules.
There are 236 people with COVID-19 in hospital – an increase of 14 since yesterday’s figures.
It is the highest figure since February 1, when 273 people were in hospital.
Thirteen people are in intensive care, with two on ventilators.
The number of new cases remained steady with 4,281 new infections reported and no deaths.
There are 38,031 active cases in the state.
Authorities will review the mask mandate rules this week, with Premier Peter Malinauskas indicating in recent days that they are likely to be dropped on Thursday.
Mr Malinauskas has said as long as hospitalisation rates remain steady, the mask rules can go.
The rule could be dropped just before the Easter school holidays and some schools have already made the decision to close early to try and manage COVID numbers in classrooms.
Catholic Education SA has already allocated this Thursday and May 2 as pupil-free days.
Director of Catholic Education SA Dr Neil McGoran says the days will be valuable for teachers and students.
"These days are to be set aside for marking, reporting, and preparation for term two including being prepared for the possibility of remote learning," Dr McGoran said.
"We think that this pupil free time will be critical for our staff and will help them to be prepared as they can be for whatever term two has in store for us."
The state education department has confirmed its schools will not start holidays early due to the pandemic.
Four schools across the state - Memorial Oval, Craigmore South and Penong primary schools along with Charles Campbell College have three-day "circuit breaker" class closures due to COVID-19 outbreaks.
Fourteen other schools have moved to online learning.
