No new cases as Qld edges close to 70 per cent vaccinated mark

Mining magnate Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest has joined the Premier in encouraging more Queenslanders to get vaccinated. It comes as the state welcomed another doughnut day.

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

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the state had almost passed the 70 per cent mark – with 69.7 per cent receiving their first dose.

Ms Palaszczuk revealed the latest figures as she joined Fortescue Metals Group CEO Andrew Forrest to announce a $1bn hydrogen development facility for Queensland.

Dr Forrest said he was saying to everyone in Australia to take a vaccine.

“If you don’t want to take a vaccine then show the science that it doesn’t work,” he said.

Andrew Forrest. Picture: supplied

He said the choice was not just about the individual.

“Be a true Australian, look after your mates, take a vaccine and all the borders will open,” Dr Forrest said.

There remains pressure on the Queensland Government toset an opening date for the state’s borders as an incentivefor complacent residents to get their jabs.

The Premier didn’t answer whether she thought giving Queenslanders an answer on when borders would open would help encourage people to get vaccinated quicker.

“The key is vaccination. So we will open up when it’s safe to do so when every eligible Queenslander has had that opportunity to get a vaccine,” she said.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk dodged questions over whether a border open date would motivate residents to get vaccinated. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“We know at some stage Covid is going to come into this state, there may be another outbreak, and I don’t know where that outbreak is going to be.

“But we need to be ready and the best way you can protect yourself, your family and your community is to get vaccinated. I cannot be any stronger or clearer on this.

Ms Palaszczuk said she was glad to see the daily number of cases coming down in New South Wales.

“They are gradually easing their restrictions. Yeah, and honestly, I wish them all the very best with that,” she said.

“We are fighting to protect our lifestyle, which is why we are also encouraging people to get vaccinated.”

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath yesterday announced high schools across the state were offering vaccinations with the added bonus of a sausage sizzle at some locations.

“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.

Chief health officer Jeannette Young said there were plans to expand on this high school vaccination hub if this weekend’s trial run was a success.