Covid Qld: Grim hospitalisation warning as Premier drops new modelling

The Premier has issued a serious warning about the state’s ongoing Covid-19 surge, urging people to take action as new modelling shows the number of hospitalisations is set to continue to rise for another month.

Covid hospitalisations will likely peak at 1660 patients, making the latest wave about 50 per cent worse than the last.

Experts had initially forecast that hospitalisation in the current wave would reach 1,000 but this has now been significantly revised.

The new forecast of 1660 hospitalisations is about 78 per cent worse than the highest single day of hospitalisations in the January Omicron wave, which was 928 patients.

The Premier used her budget estimates hearing appearance to unveil the new forecast, with the peak set to occur in late August.

“Thankfully, it does not predict an increase in patients in intensive care,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“This is very serious. We know that this is going to be our largest peak.

“So I’m urging Queenslanders where indoors, where possible, please wear a mask.

“I’m advised that in the current third wave, hospitalisations are likely to peak at around 1660 cases.

“This is close to 600 more than we currently have.”

Ms Palaszczuk said Covid was having the biggest impact on seniors in the community.

“It doesn’t take long to go and get that fourth booster. It is absolutely, absolutely critical,” the Premier said.

“Also too, for our seniors, to think about where they’re going – especially with that peak due at the end of August.

“And some people will make their own choices based on that modelling that I’ve tabled (in parliament) today.”

As of today, Queensland had about 66,000 active Covid cases, while another 21 people lost their lives with the virus in the past 24 hours.

There are 1170 patients being treated in public and private hospitals with either Covid or the flu, including 33 patients who are in intensive care.

A Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Spokesperson said non-urgent elective surgery has been temporarily suspended at Cairns Hospital unless there is “clinical urgency”.