Queensland records 17,445 new Covid cases, three deaths

Queensland has recorded 17,445 new Covid cases overnight and sadly three more deaths, as authorities say the state is likely to hit the 90 per cent fully vaccinated milestone this week.

Queensland has recorded 17,445 new Covid cases overnight and three deaths.

It means there are now more than 200,000 active Covid cases in the Sunshine State.

A person in their 60s, another in their 80s and another person over the age of 100 were among the fatalities.

Queensland chief health officer John Gerrard and Deputy Premier Steven Miles are providing a Covid update.

Dr Gerrard said all of those who had died had other significant medical conditions.

He said two of the people who died had a single dose of the vaccine and one had received a double dose a few months ago.

“I use this opportunity to remind everyone of boosted vaccination,” he said.

He said that Covid-related deaths in Queensland so far have been “almost exclusively” people with medical problems.

“There have been relatively few surprises,” he said.

There are currently 49 people in ICU units throughout the state, with Dr Gerrard saying this number was “creeping up”.

A total of 670 people are now in hospital due to Covid.

Dr Gerrard suggested people who have concerning symptoms such as significant chest pain, coughing up blood, fainting and difficulty breathing should call an ambulance. Those with milder symptoms, however, should see improvements after two to three days.

Chief health officer Dr John Gerrard. Picture: Richard Walker

Dr Gerrard said modelling suggests that private and public hospitals should be able to absorb the increasing case numbers in the coming weeks.

Queensland Health has had 2643 hospital staff who have tested positive for Covid and 2835 public health staff in quarantine.

The main impact on hospitals currently is in the metropolitan areas with regional areas having “small” numbers so far, according to Dr Gerrard.

Mr Miles said it is hoped that the state will reach the 90 per cent double-dose mark this week. It comes after Queensland through open its borders to domestic travellers without restriction on Saturday morning.

Mr Miles said that he believed the vaccination rates might have dropped as people went away over the Christmas period.

He said if everyone who had their first dose returned now to get their second dose the state would easily reach the 90 per cent double dose mark this week.

“I would say to all of those who are unvaccinated, if you want to go to the pub, go get vaccinated.”

Speaking about Queensland’s new Wellcamp quarantine hub, Dr Gerrard said that as the state reaches the 90 per cent double-dose mark the facility could be used for a number of reasons other than overseas arrivals.

He said it would be a fitting place for sick people who live with those who have immune disorders, or positive cases who aren’t showing symptoms in hotel quarantine.

“It’s fantastic to have that facility, that resource available,” he said.

Mr Miles said the facility was currently ready to be used.

“It’s now available to us and we have staff in there operationalising the centre. Clearly overtime, the usage of a centre like that will change,” he said.

The local Queensland figures come as NSW saw a huge drop in its caseload overnight.

There were 34,660 cases reported in the 24 hours to Sunday morning - down from 48,768 cases on Saturday and more than 63,000 on Friday.

Sadly there has been 20 more deaths in NSW overnight.

Meanwhile, Victoria recorded 28,128 cases and 13 deaths.