Queensland’s fourth Covid wave: Vast majority of cases are first infections

The vast majority of Queenslanders infected during the state’s fourth wave are getting Covid for the first time. It comes amid 13,600 new cases in the past week.

The vast majority of Queenslanders infected during the state’s fourth wave are getting Covid for the first time.

Chief health officer Dr John Gerrard said 80 per cent of cases reported during the current wave, which was declared in early November, were first infections.

“As time goes on, it is natural that people who have not yet had Covid will become infected,” Dr Gerrard said

“Given this, I am hopeful future waves will be even milder as hybrid immunity to Covid-19 becomes more widespread.”

It comes after 13,632 new cases were recorded from December 1-7, up from 11,217 in the previous week. Fifteen deaths were reported in that period, while 320 people were hospitalised with eight in intensive care.

Chief health officer Dr John Gerrard. Picture: Jerad Williams

Dr Gerrard has renewed his push for Queenslanders to get up to date with their vaccinations due to the ongoing and widespread transmission of Covid in the community.

He said the number of positive cases were expected to keep trending upward until the fourth wave peaked.

“It is encouraging to see the number of hospitalisations remain low in comparison to previous waves, but a large number of people aged over 60 not up-to-date with their vaccinations are being infected,” he said.

“People in this group are at significant risk of severe illness if they contract Covid, so it is vital they receive four doses of the vaccine.”

Dr Gerrard said Queensland Health continued to track infections to inform its response to Covid and assist in determining what impact future waves may have on the community.

Queensland’s top infectious disease expert Professor Paul Griffin said cases could further spike during the holiday period.

Large gatherings will be happening all over Queensland, increasing the risk of Covid spreading. File picture

“It’s party season and anecdotally we are hearing of people not wanting to test for the virus just in case they are positive and don’t want to miss out on events,” he said.

“Queenslanders need to know we are not over the wave and could see numbers continue to soar over the next few weeks with people attending festive gatherings, taking holidays and moving interstate.”

In the week from November 17-23 the case numbers were 10,082.

“It’s not a good sign that numbers are continuing to grow and the biggest issue is that we don’t really have a true indication of real numbers as Queensland’s testing rates are low,” Prof Griffin said.

“We have debated as to when the wave will peak and it’s getting impossible to say with the information at hand.

“We can only be sure the virus has not gone away and Christmas festivities and end of year holidays is not going to help the problem.”

The expert said that Queenslanders need to remember that wearing a mask is an added protection.

“We are not seeing enough masks. It just makes sense in some situations. Testing is so important and shouldn’t be disregarded especially at this time and of course vaccinations are vital. Keep up with jabs. Just remember we are still in this,” he said.