‘Stay away’: Unvaccinated warned to avoid Xmas events as regions brace for mask mandate

Queenslanders have been urged to spend Christmas outdoors and the unvaccinated have been told to avoid events altogether as the state recorded 765 new cases.

Queensland has recorded 765 new Covid-19 cases, with five people in hospital needing care.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the person who was in ICU has been moved out. There are 650 people in formal quarantine.

“Because of the great work of Queensland’s getting vaccinated our hospitalisation rates are low,” she said.

“We are getting close to that 90 per cent double vaccinated rate.”

Ms D’Ath said three young people coming to Queensland for Christmas Day had tested positive while waiting for their PCR test to enter.

One was planning on attending a gathering with 30 people, including an elderly person and a newborn.

“I thank them, I know they are missing out on Christmas with their family,” she said.

With most people gathering with family and friends, she said it was “inevitable” infections would rise.

“This virus is everywhere now and we have to assume everywhere we go, we could be exposed,” Ms D’Ath said.

“Remember your masks, remember when you’re gathering with loved ones today — be careful. You will want to hug loved ones but be careful of your surroundings.

“We thank those 650 people in quarantine who are probably missing time with family and friends today.

“We know it’s difficult but we are so grateful for what you are doing.”

The local government areas of Cook and South Burnett have recorded their first cases of Covid-19.

Regional Queensland has been warned. Picture: NCA NewsWire / John Gass

Queenslanders have been urged to celebrate Christmas outside as health authorities warn residents to avoid family gatherings if they’re unwell in preparation for another spike in cases.

Long lines at testing sites across the state are expected as many regions previously untouched by the pandemic begin to record their first cases.

Ms D’Ath yesterday insisted authorities were “ready and able” to cope with a continued surge in case numbers, despite confusion over whether testing clinics would remain open over the Christmas break.

It comes after reports of people waiting three to five hours for Covid-19 tests, 48 to 72 hours for their results, and stores selling out of rapid antigen tests amid unprecedented demand.

“How prepared we are is dependent on how compliant people are with the rules that we’re putting in place and of course our vaccination rates,” Ms D’Ath said.

The government has also launched its ‘Covid Care Pathway toolkit’, a detailed guide for people to prepare to get Covid and what they should do when it occurs.

Ms D’Ath also said parents must plan for who will care for their children if they were hospitalised or forced to isolate.

Queensland is expected to once more record its highest daily case numbers since the beginning of the pandemic today, after 589 new cases were announced in the 24 hours to 9am yesterday.

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

Mask mandates may be introduced for parts of Regional Queensland for the very first time as every local government area is expected to be impacted by the Omicron variant in the new year.

Queensland chief health officer Dr John Gerrard told unvaccinated Queenslanders not to attend Christmas events. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Chief health officer Dr John Gerrard said it was imperative for Queenslanders to protect themselves and be prepared to ensure the rise in case numbers did not burden the health system.

“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,” Dr Gerrard said.

He said despite there being no Covid cases currently being treated in a serious condition, there will be thousands of daily cases by January with potential to develop more severe symptoms.

Dr Gerrard also urged Queenslanders to celebrate Christmas outdoors where possible, limit contact among family members, and isolate if they develop symptoms.

“I’m going to hug my mother I think, I’m not going to say to stop that for Christmas. I think that would be probably going a little bit too far,” he said.

“Obviously if you have any symptoms if you are unwell, please, please don’t attend Christmas events.

Dr Gerrard also sent a stark message to unvaccinated Queenslanders, telling them to avoid Christmas altogether.

“If you’re not vaccinated, stay away from everybody. Don’t go to any Christmas event.”

A Queensland Covid update is expected later this morning.