Tragic milestone as state’s virus deaths top 1000

More than 1000 Queenslanders have now died of Covid-19. The figure comes amid a warning of a new danger as the state’s flu season worsens.

One thousand Queenslanders have died of Covid-19 and the government is warning of a dangerous new “co-infection” amid a worsening flu season.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath revealed on Wednesday 10 new deaths were recorded overnight – with 1008 Queenslanders now lost through Covid-19 since the pandemic started in early 2020.

There have been 40 other deaths in the past week.

“On behalf of all Queenslanders I extend my condolences to those who have lost loved ones to Covid-19,” Ms D’Ath told parliament.

“Nothing we can say will ever ease their pain.”

However, Ms D’Ath said while we mourn for their loss, Queenslanders should be proud with its achievements in containing the pandemic.

“The initial projections of the deaths we would see from the virus stood at 10,000,” she said.

“The projections of the curve that would have occurred without our public health intervention would have meant that our hospital system would have been overwhelmed.”

As well as the 10 deaths, Queensland today recorded 5584 new Covid cases, taking the number of active infections to 35,371.

More than 450 people are in hospital, with 27 in intensive care.

Ms D’Ath also revealed clinicians were now seeing patients who had a “co-infection” of

Covid-19 and influenza.

Two people suffering from a coinfection are in critical conditions in intensive care.

In Queensland the flu and Covid-19 vaccinations are free.

Ms D’Ath said Queenslanders who were yet to do so should get their booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine and people who were eligible should get a fourth dose.

People aged above 65 or those severely immunocompromised should get a winter dose, according to the Commonwealth.

Queensland is continuing to monitor the advice of Commonwealth health experts about the need for a fourth dose of Covid-19 vaccine.

“Any decision about a fourth dose is a matter for the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation,” Ms D’Ath said.

“As always, we will continue to follow the health advice when it comes to managing Covid.”

As the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends that all people aged 16 to 64 with specified risk factors should get their Covid winter booster vaccine, Queensland doctors say patients must be patient as the free flu clinics also get underway in the state.

“It is a good thing that the most vulnerable in the community get this fourth shot as flurona is very real and can land them in hospital. But as we set up our flu clinics it might take a day or two to get everything done. But it will get done,” Dr Bruce Willett, Queensland chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) said.

The doctor said that the fourth dose of the Covid vaccine would come four months after the third dose and that Pfizer or Moderna is recommended for the winter shot.

ATAGI recommends that people with immunocompromising conditions, cancers, specific chronic inflammatory conditions, chronic liver disease, chronic lung disease and severe chronic kidney disease get the jab Patients who are eligible for a second booster dose but have had a recent infection of COVID-19, should delay their second booster until 3 months after their infection.