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ABC News
ABC News
Health

South Australia sees rise in COVID-linked deaths but hospital and case numbers drop

Masks are no longer required in many settings in SA. (ABC News: Carl Saville)

Another seven people with COVID-19 have died in South Australia, and the state has recorded 4,062 new cases.

SA Health said a man and woman in their 60s, a man and woman in their 70s, and three men in their 80s had died.

There are now 209 people in hospital — 29 less than yesterday — and 11 of those are in intensive care.

Today's case numbers have decreased by 1,336 compared to yesterday when 5,398 new cases were recorded.

The state now has 33,061 active cases.

South Australians woke up this morning to relaxed COVID-19 rules, with masks, QR code check-ins and COVID marshals dropped from many settings.

Masks will now only be required on passenger transport, on planes and in airports, as well as in residential aged care, disability care facilities, hospitals, pharmacies, healthcare and pathology collection centres, and correctional services. 

QR code check-ins are now only required at hospitals, aged care and residential disability facilities. (ABC News)

Australian Hotels Association general manager Ian Horne said the relaxed rules meant staff no longer needed to spend time policing COVID-19 rules.

"Hospitality workers in particular will be able to get back to doing what their job is, and that is providing hospitality, engaging with customers, providing them with food and beverages, and generally hoping they have a good time," he said.

Mr Horne said a small number of businesses had indicated they would continue using masks for now.

"Some may, at least in the early stages, still ask their staff members to wear masks because that's got implications for close contacts potentially," he said.

"But I think even that will become a thing of the past."

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