Covid-19 deaths on the Sunshine Coast revealed as Queensland’s third wave continues

An experienced Sunshine Coast doctor has called for the reopening of vaccine clinics with GPs booked out for weeks and Covid-19 numbers surging.

The Sunshine Coast has recorded more Covid-19 deaths in the past three months than it did in almost two years as the latest wave intensifies.

There have now been 135 deaths recorded in the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service area, up from 65 in April.

A health service spokesman said as of 9am Wednesday, July 20, 2022, there were 81 Covid-19 positive patients being cared for in Sunshine Coast hospitals, but none were in intensive care.

“A further 211 patients are being cared for in our virtual ward,” they said.

“At the start of June patient admissions averaged at 60 a day, with the daily average now being more than 80.”

Across the state there are more than 1000 people in hospital.

Sunshine Coast Local Medical Association president Doctor Roger Faint encouraged residents to wear face masks but didn’t think a mandate was necessary.

With GPs booked two to three weeks in advance Dr Faint said it would be helpful for the state government to reopen vaccine clinics.

“You have to assume there’s Covid everywhere now and it’s quite endemic,” Dr Faint said.

The Buderim GP encouraged residents to remain up to date with their Covid-19 vaccinations, with a fourth vaccine available for those over 50.

He said there was some level of complacency with some people not up to date with their vaccinations or not testing while sick.

“It’s certainly a challenging time,” Dr Faint said.

Sunshine Coast Local Medical Association president Dr Roger Faint.

He estimated the current wave to last for another three to four months during the cooler weather and worried it could impact hospital operations and aged care homes.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles urged people to stay home if they were sick and to get tested and encouraged mask wearing.

“There is a lot of Covid in the community right now,” Mr Miles said.

“And there’s a lot of people in hospital with Covid.”