Covid Qld: 100 cases a day, horror new strain looming

With 100 Queenslanders a day already admitted to hospital, the state now faces a serious threat from the most contagious strain of Covid-19 ever recorded.

A healthcare worker prepares a dose of the CoronaVac Covid-19 vaccine

• Editor’s view: How we’ve fallen

Vulnerable Queenslanders are under serious threat from the most contagious strain of Covid-19 ever recorded, with experts warning the new wave comes as vaccination protection hits new lows.

More than 15,000 Covid-19 cases have been recorded across Queensland so far this year — a rate of more than 100 a day.

In the last week alone there have been 671 Covid-19 cases recorded, with a third (246) of those in people aged 65 and older.

University of South Australia biostatistics and epidemiology Professor Adrian Esterman said the spike in Queensland cases was being fuelled by the new strain.

“In the last four weeks, cases have gone up each week, and that is most certainly due to this new strain,” he said.

“We have to be concerned about older people and those with impaired immune systems or other health conditions, they need to be keeping up to date with booster shots.”

The new, highly transmissible subvariant of the omicron Covid-19 strain, NB. 1.8.1, has already spiked infections and hospitalisations in New South Wales and Western Australia.

Mater director of infectious diseases Professor Paul Griffin said Queenslanders had “dropped the ball” when it came to Covid-19 vaccinations, with the rate at its lowest since the jab was introduced five years ago.

Professor Paul Griffin

“This disease is still very prevalent in the community and poses a serious threat to high-risk patients,” he said.

“Particularly for high-risk people, it should now be a once-a-year booster, just like the flu vaccine is, and with winter here next week, now is the time to get vaccinated, and it’s safe to get them both together.

“The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get the newest booster, which provides very good coverage, is safe, and will reduce the severity of your symptoms if you contract Covid-19.”

While the symptoms are similar to other variants, NB. 1.8.1 is the most transmissible strain yet.

There had been 39 cases of NB. 1.8.1 recorded in the state since late February this year according to Queensland Health but it’s likely many more have gone undetected.

AMA Queensland President Dr Nick Yim said evidence suggests the latest strain could spread more easily, partially sidestepping immunity from prior infections or vaccination, making it even more important for people to get their booster.

“The emergence of NB. 1.8.1 is a timely reminder that Covid-19 is still circulating in our community and continues to evolve,” Dr Yim said.

“With case numbers rising and winter approaching, now is the time to protect yourself and those around you.

“We are worried that some complacency has set in and urge all eligible Queenslanders to get their free booster as soon as possible.”

Chief health officer Dr Heidi Carroll said Queensland Health had been made aware of the subvariant.

Originally published as Covid Qld: 100 cases a day, horror new strain looming