Deltacron detected in Queensland as Cairns Hinterland Hospital warns of increasing cases

While restrictions easing may be a relief to some, Cairns Hinterland Hospital Health Service is urging residents not to let their guard down as Covid case numbers increase.

WHILE eased restrictions over the past week may be a relief to many Far Northerners, the region’s health authority has urged residents not to let their guard down as Covid case numbers continue to spike

The warning comes as Queensland has recorded its first cases of a new Covid variant.

Dubbed Deltacron it is a hybrid variant with properties of both Delta and Omicron variants.

Queensland Health confirmed there had been at least 12 positive cases of Deltacron in the state.

Donna Goodman, CHHHS COVID-19 Health Incident Controller, said the region’s hospitals had experienced a slight increase in Covid cases over the last month.

“Last month we had 350 new cases a day and now we’re at 515 new cases a day,” she said.

“It’s a time for people to be more careful again.”

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Covid Health Incident Controller, Dr Donna Goodman. Picture: Alison Paterson

While this increase hasn’t translated into a higher number of inpatients or those in ICU care, Ms Goodman said they’re expecting increasing numbers to continue in the next week to 10 days.

“After Easter (the case numbers) will fall down again hopefully,” she said.

The CHHHS said they’re encouraging everyone to make sure they’re vaccinated, engaging in physical distancing and practising hand hygiene.

Ms Goodman said the lifting of mandates and the opening of international borders should contribute to increasing numbers.

“With the reducing of restrictions, people need to continue to be careful, especially moving around,” she said.

Queensland Health records 91.9 per cent of Queensland vaccinated. Picture: Brendan Radke

With a new concern on the horizon, Queensland Health has recorded total number of cases in the state at 856,879. and 91.9 per cent of the state is fully inoculated.

Visitor to the Far North Rimmelle Freedman said she’s adjusted to the new normal of eased restrictions for restaurants and entertainment venues and doesn’t believe Australia can be completely safe from Covid.

“Things are far from normal,” the Sydneysider said.

“We just have to weigh out the risks and outcomes.”

Sydneysider, Rimmelle Freedman said she doesn't think people are completely safe from Covid. Picture: Yashee Sharma

Ms Freedman said she practices Covid safety regularly by sanitising, frequently washing hands and not sharing drinks to keep her family as safe as possible.

“We’re doing what we can,” she said.

Ms Freedman said some family members have experienced Covid and she’s done her part by ensuring she’s vaccinated with a booster.

“I’m looking forward to my next booster,” she said.

“It gives me a peace of mind to move around (and travel).”

Originally published as Deltacron detected in Queensland as Cairns Hinterland Hospital warns of increasing cases