Covid hospitalisations in Queensland rise to highest levels since first wave

The Deputy Premier has urged Queenslanders to wear masks as Covid hospitalisations surge to their highest level since the state’s first wave. VOTE IN OUR POLL

The number of Queenslanders in hospital due to Covid-19 has risen to the highest levels since February as the state grapples with a third wave of the virus this year.

Queensland Health data released on Sunday revealed 744 Queenslanders were now being treated in the state’s hospital for Covid-19, a number unseen since early February during the decline of the first wave.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the level of infection was having a “very substantial” impact on the state’s hospitals with thousands of health staff unable to work due to catching Covid-19 or the flu.

But there remains no moves to bring back mask wearing mandates.

THIRD WAVE MAPPED: EVERY SUBURB’S COVID CASES

Deputy Premier Steven Miles. Picture: David Clark

Mr Miles said people should wear masks if they are at all concerned about catching Covid-19 but reiterated that the same health advice remained in place.

It comes as the federal government moved to expand antiviral treatment for older Australians with Covid-19, making the medication available for home use and removing the need to go to hospital to be treated.

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the current wave was “very serious” and came with the “unique” new danger of quick reinfection.

“The fact you had COVID earlier this year, the fact you may have only had COVID a couple of months ago, does not necessarily protect you from getting infected again,” he said.

“We expect case numbers to continue to climb for some weeks yet. We’re still relatively early in winter.”

Queenslanders are once again being encouraged to wear masks as Covid cases soar. Picture: David Clark

Everyone aged 70 or older can access Covid-19 antiviral medicines — which come in tablet and capsule form — via the pharmaceutical benefit scheme for take home use.

Mr Butler said this brought down the cost to about $6 per round of treatment.

People older than 50 but younger than 70 will have to show they are at risk of getting severe Covid-19 infections.

It comes after the government announced adults over 30 were eligible for a fourth dose of a Covid vaccine.

Mr Butler said taking a fourth jab was a “soft recommendation” for people who wanted more immunity for winter, but stressed people absolutely needed their third shot.

“My overriding message is to get your third dose. There’s still 2.5 million in their 30s and 40s who haven’t got their third booster dose,” he said.