Covid latest: No new cases as NSW, Vic open to international travel

Queensland has recorded no new Covid cases in the past 24 hours with authorities defending the delays in opening the state to overseas travel as a “responsible and measured” approach.

Queensland has recorded no new Covid cases in the past 24 hours, Transport Minister Mark Bailey has announced.

There are 12 active cases across the state.

More than 1500 vaccinations have been administered at high schools and more than 1000 at patrolled beaches in the past two days.

A total of 77.3 per cent of Queenslanders have their first dose of the Covid vaccine while 63.5 per cent are fully vaccinated.

“We want every single Queenslander fully protected as soon as possible,” Mr Bailey said.

Mr Bailey urged Queenslanders to continue to use the QR check-in app, warning “you will be exposed to Covid”.

Deputy chief health offficer Dr Lynne McKinlay and Transport Minister Mark Bailey. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“We have to keep our capability of tracing so when there is an outbreak, we can inform the community and keep Queenslanders safe,” he said.

Mr Bailey, in relation to Queensland’s international borders remaining closed while NSW and Victoria open up, said the roadmap was a “responsible and measured” plan to reopen the border.

“Whether you’re in regional Queensland or Brisbane or Gold Coast, Covid is coming,” he said.

It comes as NSW and Victoria prepare to open to international travel, while Queensland will remain closed until the 90 per cent vaccinated target.

Chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young, on her final day in the role, issued a message to Queenslanders urging people to get vaccinated.

“Queenslanders, you’ve been fantastic,” Dr Young said in a video message.

Today Dr Young completes one of the most exceptional chapters of public service our state has ever seen.

But before she wraps up her time as Chief Health Officer, she has a final message for us all.

If you haven’t done it yet, please 💪💉🩹 pic.twitter.com/pMJjgLsjeg

— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) October 31, 2021

“And as I sign off, I’ve got one last request, please get vaccinated. Thank you.”

Mr Bailey said he was “very confident” the government would have a formidable replacement for Dr Young after planned new CHO Krispin Hajkowicz bowed out days before the expected handover.

Deputy chief health officer Lynne McKinlay said there would be some localised lockdowns once Queensland’s borders reopened.

Dr McKinlay said authorities would make a decision based on the specific outbreak and its impact on the community.

Queensland Deputy Health Officer Dr Lynne McKinlay. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Dr McKinlay said she was confident Queensland would reach the 80 per cent vaccinated target by December 17.

“The higher vaccination rates, the lower risks of that,” she said.

Deputy chief health officer Lynne Mckinlay said that people should still come forward to get their vaccination even though the government has said today is the “last day” to be fully vaccinated before the state opens its borders.

“I know some people will still have questions, the best person to answer those questions is your GP, local pharmacist and nurses at the local hospital,” she said.

Dr McKinlay said she didn’t put her hand up for the new chief health officer job and said she was confident in Dr Paul Aitken’s ability to temporarily handle the role until they appoint the permanent position.

“Everyone is going to miss Dr Young … she’s been such an incredible leader,” she said.

From Monday, fully vaccinated Australians returning to NSW or Victoria from overseas will not need to quarantine and those wanting to head overseas will not need an exemption to do so.