Queensland records 5589 new Covid cases, 10 deaths overnight

Queensland has recorded its highest daily total of Covid deaths in a week while cases surged to an almost two-week high amid growing concern over a new subvariant.

Queensland has recorded 10 Covid deaths overnight, the most in almost a week, while there have been 5589 new cases.

It is the first time since March 3 that more than 5000 new cases have been recorded in a 24-hour period, while it is the highest number of deaths since 12 on March 9.

Of the deaths, two people were in their 60s, two in their 70s, four in their 80s and two in their 90s. Four were in aged care facilities.

A total of 246 people are now in hospital, up slightly from 233 on Monday, and 19 people are in intensive care.

Queensland’s Covid cases and deaths have spiked in the past 24 hours. Picture: Josh Woning

Nearly 80 per cent of positive cases are were detected via rapid antigen tests.

Just over 93 per cent of Queenslanders have had a single dose of the vaccine, while 91.26 per cent are fully vaccinated.

It comes as health experts urged Queenslanders not to be alarmed despite a “slow and steady” increase in Covid cases linked t the new Omicron subvariant.

Since December last year, less than 1 per cent of Covid-19 test samples detected the new BA. 2 subvariant, however Queensland Health said a “slow and steady cumulative increase” had been observed since then.

This week, New South Wales Health flagged the possible return of masks and working from home orders as the state saw a spike in cases linked to BA.2.