Queensland records 7882 new Covid cases, six deaths as Triple-0 calls surge

Triple-0 calls surged to a historic high on Monday amid the second wave of Omicron, with Telstra forced to do something it has never done before in Queensland.

Queensland recorded its fourth highest number of Triple-0 calls in a day on Monday as the second wave of Omicron smashes the state’s health system.

The three previous highest number of calls were recorded across consecutive days in January during the first wave of Omicron.

Yesterday there was a 32 per cent increase in calls to Triple-0.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath revealed that for the first time ever in Queensland, that Telstra hads introduced a voice message to manage the high demand of calls.

“Telstra initiated a pre-approved recorded voice message advising people that there were high demand, and that if it was a health issue, and it was not an emergency, that they should ring 13 Health instead.

“Telstra does this when they consider that there could be extra demand.

“I’m being advised this morning that Telstra has never initiated this pre-approved call for the Queensland Ambulance Service in Queensland before. That is the extent of the demand.

“It has been done in New South Wales before, and Victoria has seen this come and go a number of times over the past month.

“But this is certainly unique for Queensland in relation to the QAS.”

Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath. Picture David Clark

Queensland Ambulance Service Commissioner Craig Emery said the flood of Triple-0 calls amounted to about 400 additional code one calls.

Ms D’Ath said it was difficult to plan for “escalations” like that experienced on Monday.

“I don’t know any hospital system in the country that can prepare for 30 to 40 per cent increase on a single given day,” she said.

“There will always be pressures, significant pressures, when those types of days happen.”

Queensland recorded 7882 new Covid cases and six deaths in the past 24 hours, with 16 people now in intensive care.

There are currently 54,818 active cases across Queensland and 572 people in hospital.

Ms D’Ath said case numbers were starting to fall as the second wave of Omicron “tailed off”.

“We are seeing those people who are unwell coming into the hospital system,” she said.

The number of children with Covid has declined, with 997 in the past 24 hours compared to 3121 two weeks ago.

“That’s really positive news, its further evidence that we are coming off the wave,” Ms D’Ath said.

A total of 3416 health workers and 195 Queensland Ambulance Service operational staff have tested positive to Covid.

Ms D’Ath said the state was waiting until the peak of the latest Covid-19 wave had pass before looking at close contact rules.

“I do believe that it should be a national decision. I think all states should move to that so there isn’t confusion and there isn’t inconsistencies across borders,” she said.