Queensland records another 369 new Covid-19 cases, warning virus will be endemic and have ‘big impact on unvaccinated’

The state’s chief health officer has deemed the spread of the “milder” Covid-19 Omicron variant as not only “inevitable” but “necessary”. It came as Queensland recorded another 369 cases.

THE Queensland chief health officer has deemed the spread of the “milder” Covid-19 Omicron variant across the state as not only “inevitable” but “necessary”.

Dr John Gerrard, speaking at Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park Surf Life Saving Club on Thursday morning, said Queenslanders will have to learn to live with the virus in the community.

“This Omicron variant is extremely contagious. Not only is the spread of this virus inevitable, it is necessary,” he said.

Queensland chief health officer Dr John Gerrard speaking at a Covid-19 press conference. Picture: Josh Woning

“In order for us to go from the pandemic phase to the endemic phase, the virus has to be widespread.

“You will all have to develop immunity and there are two ways you can do that – by being vaccinated or getting infected.

“And once we have done that, once the virus is spreading, once we all have some degree of immunity, the virus becomes endemic and that is what is going to happen.”

It came as Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk revealed Queensland has recorded another 369 new Covid-19 cases, but only one person has been hospitalised and was in an intensive care unit (ICU) due to the virus.

She said the person in hospital has “other medical issues”.

At the press conference, Ms Palaszczuk also ruled out financial compensation for struggling Coast hospitality operators who fear Covid restrictions will make it impossible for them to continue trading.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has warned unvaccinated Queenslanders are in the firing line. Picture: John Gass

“We will see an escalation of cases like we’re seeing in other states, but the good news is, we’re seeing at the present time there’s only one person in hospital, they have other medical issues but they do have Covid,” she said.

Ms Palaszczuk warned the coronavirus situation in Queensland was “going to escalate” and Covid-19 was spreading “across Queensland”.

She attributed the low rate of hospitalisations to vaccinations and said anyone who has not been jabbed will be taking an unnecessary risk.

Ms Palaszczuk again named the Coast as one region where vaccination rates needed to lift, as the local government area lags behind.

“I am concerned on the Gold Coast we do not have the high rates of vaccination needed for a tourist hot spot,” she said.

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Dr Gerrard warned Covid-19 would be “endemic” in Queensland and the state government would not try and stop that happening.

“This virus is much more contagious than the previous strains, and that has been something of a surprise,” Dr Gerrard said.

“The early information we’re getting is it seems to be a little milder.”

Ms Palaszczuk repeatedly said during the media event she was “keeping Queenslanders safe”, echoing what has become something of a catchcry throughout the pandemic.

She was asked about pleas for help and understanding from Coast business leaders concerned about workers being forced to isolate after coming into contact with Covid-19 cases.

Long lines of vehicles at the 4 Cyte Pathology Covid-19 testing clinic on Ferry Rd at Southport on Wednesday. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Ms Palaszczuk said she was “absolutely aware” of the critical juncture faced by Coast businesses.

“No (we won’t consider compensation packages) we are in a pandemic just like everyone else in the world. This is nothing new,” she said.

“In other parts of the world, businesses are shut, some have been shut for over a year so we are up to a tourism season at the moment and we want to see businesses operating and people out there enjoying the Queensland lifestyle, but we are in a pandemic.

“We want to move into the next phase. That’s why we are mandating masks in hospitality.

“It is an added measure to keep our businesses open.”

When asked why she would not bring forward usage of rapid antigen testing, Ms Palaszczuk said: “We have always kept Queenslanders safe and the measures in place are the measures set out in the road map.”

“Also, I am concerned on the Gold Coast that we do not have the high levels of vaccination that are needed in a tourist destination so, to your point, there are thousands of people coming here from NSW and Victoria where the virus is rampant.

“They are coming here to the Gold Coast and it is exposed because people are not vaccinated.”

When asked about reports of the Dreamworld Parkway and Outback Spectacular testing centres being closed, Ms Palaszczuk said she was “not aware of that”.

There has been more than 800 new Covid-19 cases in Queensland since the border reopened last Monday.

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