Horrific Covid-19 milestone as Qld records 39 deaths, 5665 new cases

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath has confirmed the deaths of 39 people have been recorded in the latest Covid figures released this morning. The caseload grew by 5665 new cases overnight.

Queensland has recorded 5665 new cases of Covid-19 recorded overnight with 39 deaths.

Speaking at a press conference this morning, alongside chief health officer John Gerrard, Health minister Yvette D’Ath said there had been 1668 school-aged children with the virus with 923 aged five to 11 and 745 aged 12 to 15. The number of children with Covid-19 in the last 24 hours has declined.

Dr Gerrard said of the 39 deaths, one was in their 50s, five in their 60s, 10 in their 70s, 12 in their 80s, 10 in their 90s and 1 over 100. He said 21 of the deaths occurred in aged care facilities.

Ms D’Ath said the large increase in deaths was due to reporting numbers that had previously not been included in the covid figures.

Dr Gerrard said deaths were reported to the public as soon as they were available to the authorities.

“Every week in addition to that we receive a report from births, deaths and marriages,” he said.

The report this week showed 27 additional cases that extended back to mid-January.

He said there had not been a peak in deaths.

Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

Speaking on Queensland’s Wellcamp quarantine facility, Ms D’Ath said using the facility would cost the same as hotel quarantine.

Today’s update comes after it was revealed yesterday that the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services would not require its workers to be vaccinated, as cases drop and the state considers winding back restrictions.

The Queensland Government has enforced mandates for other emergency services, causing a loss of staff in the police service and nursing staff.

The United Firefighters Union’s John Oliver said the decision was made following a statement from chief health officer Dr John Gerrard that restrictions were under review and could be wound back within weeks.

“There seemed no point in bringing in a mandate now. The union was involved in consultations on this and certainly the Commissioner of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Greg Leach was contemplating a mandate,” Mr Oliver said.