Qld braces for Covid wave as new ‘complex’ variants rapidly mutate

Queensland is bracing for a new wave of Covid as chief health officer John Gerrard warns the virus is becoming “complex” as it rapidly mutates putting pressure on hospital services.

Queensland is bracing for a new wave of Covid cases as chief health officer John Gerrard warns the virus is becoming “complex” as it rapidly mutates and competing strains put pressure on hospital services.

Dr Gerrard reports that three sub-variants are now in circulation – FLiRT, FLuQE and most recently de-FLiRT.

“Due to this mutation, as well as fluctuating community immunity, we are witnessing more than one wave each year,” he said.

“Covid-19 has not yet developed a clear seasonal pattern.”

Last week, there were 2055 Covid cases in Queensland. The daily average bed occupancy with the virus was 330 per day last week, compared with 272 per day in the previous week. Emergency departments have been reporting that Covid has placed a significant burden on their services.

Chief health officer John Gerrard. Photo: Steve Pohlner

The warning comes as shock new data, released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, shows that Covid was named in the top five killers of Australians – above lung cancer.

This is the first time in 50 years that an infectious disease was on the deadly list.

“This new data, while it was collected in 2022, shows that Covid can be highly dangerous, particularly within the aged and vulnerable community and this is something we cannot forget,” Professor Nigel McMillan, an infectious disease expert said.

The AIHW report shows that Covid took the lives of 9859 Australians while lung cancer killed 9040 in that year.

The Lung Foundation Australia is fearful that complacency is putting Queenslanders at threat.

“With both Covid and lung cancer making up the top five killers of Australians, our nation’s lung health has never been more important, or under threat,” a spokesman said.

“Australia is facing yet another wave of the virus in a cold and flu season which is already putting our most vulnerable at huge risk. We urge people to get their vaccinations up to date now and chat to their health professional if they are unsure.”

A new Covid wave could be about to sweep Queensland.

Dr Gerrard assures there is no evidence of increased disease severity associated with any of the new variants.

“Despite the numerous mutations we’ve seen with Covid-19 over the past few years, current vaccines remain effective and are the most crucial measure to protect those at risk of severe disease,” he said.

“In addition with getting vaccinated, practising good hygiene habits such as regular handwashing and staying home when sick are other ways Queenslanders can minimise the effects of Covid-19”.

From January 1 to June 30 2024, there were 39,885 Covid-19 cases notified in Queensland. Of the cases hospitalised with Covid this year, 5404 (62 per cent) were aged 65 years or over.

Prof McMillan said as Covid cases pick up Queensland is likely to see the wave through winter.

“We only see the data for hospitalised or pathology confirmed cases, there are many more in the community. While the majority of hospitalisations are over 65 the general community does not take the same precautions we did in 2022 to protect the older and more vulnerable Queenslanders,” he said.

“People must stay home”