Health Minister, CHO to update on latest Covid figures

Queensland has recorded no new local cases of Covid-19 overnight as another Super Pfizer Weekend is held to push up vaccination rates.

Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young and Health Minister Yvette D’Ath. Picture: John Gass

Queensland has recorded no new community cases of Covid-19 and three in hotel quarantine.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said 69 per cent of people had received their first dose of vaccination and 51 per cent have received their second dose.

The good news comes as Queensland’s second ‘Super Pfizer Weekend’ kicks off.

Ms D’Ath said several high schools across Queensland were now offering vaccinations, with many featuring sausage sizzles.

“As we hoped, there’s a sausage sizzle going as well so pop down to your local high school, get a sausage sizzle, support the school and get vaccinated,” Ms D’Ath said.

Super Pfizer Weekend 2.0https://t.co/NclHJjgw4h

— Yvette D'Ath MP (@YvetteDAth) October 8, 2021

Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young said the school vaccination hub trial could be expanded in weeks to come if this weekend was a success.

Dr Young warned people to have their first Covid-19 vaccination as soon as possible before the next outbreak

“We just don’t know when the next one is going to happen,” she said.

Dr Young said there had been 11,284 tests done across the state yesterday.

She said two of the new hotel quarantine cases had flown in from Papua New Guinea and a third was recorded on a ship off Cape York.

“So he will be assessed as to whether or not we need to bring him off that ship or whether he can continue to be managed on that ship,” Dr Young said.

The Covid-positive man was working on the ship which left Indonesia seven days ago.

Health authorities yesterday eased Queensland’s restrictions to Stage 3.

It means pubs clubs and cafes can have double the number of patrons, gathering numbers increased and dancing returned.

Mask-wearing would be reviewed in another two weeks.

Meanwhile, Ms D’Ath said there was “probably a little bit of embarrassment” over the federal government’s warning it could withdraw Olympics support following concerns the state would have too much control on the organising committee.

She said Mr O’Brien, who is Mr Morrison’s special envoy on the Olympic Games, misstepped in making his comments which had since been “righted”.

“And Ted O’Brien is now saying that Senator Colbeck will take it from here,” Ms DA’th said.

“Can I say, this was unnecessary commentary around the Olympics.

“The legislation that’s been drafted is out for consultation.

“We worked very closely with the federal government and the Brisbane City Council in drafting that legislation and of course we’ve been consulting with them since and as recent as this week.”

Ms DA’th said Mr O’Brien this week spoke to Minister for Sport Stirling Hinchliffe and didn’t raise any concerns.

She said Commonwealth officials were also happy with provisions.