Qld Covid-19 update: 589 new cases in past 24 hours

Queensland has recorded 589 new cases of Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, with a stark declaration that there will be ‘thousands of cases’ in coming weeks and a warning that mask rules may be enforced in regions.

Queensland has recorded another 589 cases of Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, with authorities warning that the virus has now spread across the state and that mask mandates could be enforced in regional areas.

There are more than 1300 active cases across the state, in 32 of 77 local government areas.

Ms D’Ath on Friday said people in parts of regional Queensland may be forced to comply with a mask mandate for the first time as chief health officer Dr John Gerrard said it was imperative people protect themselves with the growing number of cases putting pressure on the health system.

Dr Gerrard said three people were currently in ICU with mild to moderate symptoms.

“In the coming weeks we will be seeing large numbers of cases, thousands of cases,” he said.

“When you have large numbers of cases that will translate to a significant number of people with the potential to put a strain on the health system.”

He said that although there was no Covid case currently being treated with serious reactions to the virus, the thousands of new daily infections expected in January will put pressure on the hospital system.

Health Minister Yvette D'Ath provides a Covid-19 update in Brisbane. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

“That is why the masks are so critical,” he said. “To reduce the strain on the hospitals … and to give as many people as possible in community the chance to get their booster shots, particularly those who are vulnerable – the elderly and those with underlying immune disorders.”

He said people must wear masks and get vaccinated to ease the strain on the system.

There were more than 30,600 Covid tests in the state yesterday and Dr Gerrard acknowledged there were delays.

Ms D’Ath said more than half of the 11,000 vaccines administered in the past 24 hours were boosters.

The government has also launched its Covid care at home plan, a detailed guide for people to prepare to get Covid and what they should do when it occurs.

There are 268 patients looked after in home care.

Ms D’Ath said more than 90 per cent of Queensland has received one dose, which is an “extraordinary” result in just 10 months.

“It has put us in the best possible position,” she said.

Ms D’Ath said there has been more than 30,000 border passes issued in the past 24 hours.

She said masks must be worn in retail settings and many indoor spaces.

The Covid Care Pathway toolkit has been released today, which will detail what people need to do to prepare for the virus.

“We get ready for storms, now you need to get ready for Covid,” Ms D’Ath said.

She said parents must consider who would care for children if they were forced into hospital, and what people should have at home.

All positive cases of Covid will receive a phone or video call from their GP and be asked to monitor and record symptoms daily.

Chief health officer Dr John Gerrard. Picture, John Gass

Some patients might also receive a medical monitoring device to wear, medication delivered, home visits and an online hub to upload your temperature.

Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said it was vital people “don’t drop the ball” on Covid over Christmas.

A total of 12,287 passengers were checked at airports on Thursday with 17 refused entry and 51 put into quarantine.

The Omicron variant is becoming dominant, with Covid popping up in areas where there has never been positive cases.

NSW has this morning reported 5612 new cases of Covid, with Victoria’s new case number jumping to 2095.

Australia’s Health Minister Greg Hunt this morning said Australia’s booster vaccine rollout will move from a five to a four month interval from early next month.

Ms D’Ath has welcomed the announcement, stressing ample supply should make the doses readily available across the state.

“Now that we’ve got this notice in advance, this time, hopefully all of us are going to be able to bring forward our orders and make sure we’ve got the deliveries ready to go,” she said.

“We want boosters to become part of our normal immunisation program.”