New death reported as third Covid wave impacts Central Queensland

One person in Central Queensland has died while positive with Covid-19 as the region begins to feel the impact of the state’s third Omicron wave. Here’s what we know.

One person in Central Queensland has died while positive with Covid-19 as the region begins to feel the impact of the state’s third Omicron wave.

The number of total cases has risen by 50 in Central Queensland in the 24 hours to 7pm Tuesday, with one new Covid-positive death being recorded in the region.

This brings the total death count up to 32 for the Central Queensland health service region since the start of the pandemic.

CQ Health was unable to provide any further information regarding the death.

Rockhampton Hospital.

Of the 50 new cases recorded in Central Queensland, 25 were from Rockhampton, four from Livingstone Shire, six from Gladstone, 10 from Central Highlands and one from Banana Shire.

The Central West Hospital and Health Service also reported a further 13 cases.

Of these, six were from Barcaldine, four from Blackall Tambo and one each from Diamantina Shire and Longreach.

Chief executive of Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service Dr Emma McCahon said CQ Health was well prepared to deal with any extra Covid cases.

“We’ve been working in this space for more than two years now, and staff are well informed and well equipped,” Dr McCahon said.

“I thank our teams for their dedication, professionalism and their flexibility when working in this challenging environment.

“Residents of our community have done a great job to protect themselves from Covid-19 as much as possible, through physical social distancing, and also through vaccination. I urge everyone eligible to take their boosters as they become available and to continue to do the right thing with masks and social distancing.”

Dr McCahon said Rapid Antigen Tests were freely available at pharmacies.

There are now more than 1000 people in hospital in Queensland with Covid.

There have been 15 deaths and 9650 new cases in the past 24 hours.

On Wednesday, Deputy Premier Steven Miles said official advice on working from home during the current Omicron wave had not changed and that people should go to work unless they’re sick or vulnerable.

However, Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said WFH decisions should not be made “unilaterally” by employers.

The Rockhampton local government area Covid case total now sits at 6667 while Livingstone Shire has recorded 2867, Gladstone 4630, Central Highlands 2038 and Banana Shire 745.