Top epidemiologist blames SA Health for new COVID-19 cluster in the state

A top epidemiologist has criticised South Australia Health over its management of the coronavirus pandemic in the state after a new cluster emerged over the weekend.

Professor Adrian Esterman, who used to work for the World Health Organisation, says the new cases in SA can be blamed on a "breakdown in systems."

Four new cases of the virus were recorded on Sunday, after the state experienced six months with no community transmission, with SA Health this morning revealing 17 cases are now linked to the cluster.

Read more: Concerns Australia faces supply shortage of vaccine candidate

"I think there's been a breakdown in systems," Mr Esterman told Today.

"My understanding is that people weren't tested on a regular basis.

"SA Health have now ordered that all people working at the hotels be tested weekly. I'm surprised this wasn't happening before now."

The new cases sent hundreds of residents into isolation and caused for the WA government to reintroduce strict quarantine measures for SA travellers, just 48 hours after reopening its border.

"I wouldn't be at all surprised if other states and territories might shut their borders with South Australia as well, depending on what happens over the next two or three days," Mr Esterman said.

Mr Esterman has called on the Federal Government to introduce a national QR code system to help better manage contact tracing and ensure large-scale outbreaks don't occur.

"If all states for example use QR codes it could all be sent to a central system," he said.

"With borders opening we're now in a situation where people are travelling around Australia and each state and territory has its own contact-tracing system.

"It will be very difficult to keep track of people as they go around the country. I'd like to see a national centre."

You can get up-to-date information from the Federal Government's Coronavirus Australia app, available on the App Store, Google Play.

Beyond Blue's Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service is a 24/7 service free of charge to all Australians. Visit the site here or call 1800 512 348

For coronavirus breaking news alerts and livestreams straight to your smartphone sign up to the 9News app and set notifications to on at the App Store or Google Play.

Join the Today show family and give yourself the chance to win great prizes by signing up to our weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox every Wednesday with a special message from Karl and Ally. You can sign up for free here.