Queensland records zero local Covid cases as state eyes 80 per cent vaccination milestone

Queensland is on track to open well before Christmas after hitting a key vaccine milestone.

Annastacia Palaszczuk has flagged the likelihood of opening the state earlier than the December 17 target after hitting the 70 per cent milestone.

Queensland wasn’t expected to reach this milestone until November 19 with the Premier suggesting the 80 per cent target, and its increased border easing, may arrive up to a week sooner than initially planned.

The 70 per cent double vaccination coverage has allowed stranded Queenslanders to fly back and complete their 14-days quarantine at home, instead of in hotel quarantine.

The Sunshine state recorded no new local cases as health authorities focus their attention on the next milestone — 80 per cent double-dose vaccination.

“Queenslanders have done such a great job that this 70 per cent milestone has been reached earlier than expected so we are definitely on track to meet the December 17 (opening target) but it may come earlier,” she told reporters on Monday morning.

Annastacia Palaszczuk said Queensland should be opened before December 17.Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

“We’re on target to reach it by December 17 but we’re now a week earlier so it could come a week earlier.”

Infectious disease expert Dr Paul Griffin told breakfast TV audiences on Monday the strong uptick in vaccination meant this target was also likely to be reached early, even as soon as December 6.

“Everyone who gets vaccinated contributes and will contribute to bringing forward the opening date,” Dr Griffin said.

Queensland recorded two new cases in hotel quarantine on Monday.