Covid is far from over — don’t visit your grandma plea

Queenslanders have been warned about mixing with elderly relatives this Christmas if they are unwell as the current wave of Covid-19 nears its peak, with more than 16,000 cases and 30 deaths recorded in the past week.

Covid case numbers continue to climb in Queensland, with the number of deaths doubling in the past week and experts warning people to be cautious about Christmas celebrations if they are feeling unwell.

Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard is warning Queenslanders to stay away from elderly relatives if they are under the weather, as new data shows that from December 8-14 the state recorded 16,600 new cases and 33 deaths.

The previous week case numbers were 13,632 cases and there were 15 Covid-related deaths.

Hospitalisations has also increased, from 320 to 515.

Dr Gerrard said the current wave was approaching its peak.

“We are in week five of our wave and case numbers are continuing to increase. Previous waves in Queensland have all peaked by the end of the sixth week. Early signs in other states are promising,” he said.

Dr John Gerrard says the current Covid wave is reaching its peak. Picture: NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

“If you are unwell, even slightly so, it’s important to stay away from older people, especially those who are not up-to-date with their vaccinations,” he said.

“Not seeing elderly loved ones at Christmas is disappointing, but it would be distressing if you were to infect them.

“What you can do for them is ensure they’re vaccinated – all Queenslanders over the age of 60 should have had four doses.

“Unfortunately, we are still seeing a high number of people in this age group being infected, who weren’t up-to-date with their vaccinations. More than 5,300 people in the current wave were overdue for their fourth dose when they were infected.”

He urged people who are attending large gatherings to consider wearing a mask and ensure social distancing.

The state’s Covid traffic light system remains on amber.

Infectious disease expert Paul Griffin said “we still have our work cut out for us.”

“There are certainly more workplaces being impacted by staff coming down with the virus, it has become more talked about again. I think part of the problem is that not enough people are accessing antivirals and booster rates are not high enough,” he said.

Dr Gerrard said all Queenslanders aged 70 and older should have a plan to obtain antiviral treatments if infected.

The new escalation in cases comes as Queensland researchers investigate why some people who have had Covid may have blurred vision.

A study co-led by Griffith University’s Menzies Health Institute has found that the virus can cause retinal inflammation and a reduction in depth perception due to blurred vision.

The researchers found that the eyes and the trigeminal nerves are susceptible to the virus and in animal models the SARS-CoV-2 can infect the eye through the respiratory tract, via the brain.

Principal research leader and co-lead author Professor Suresh Mahalingam said the virus can begin to affect vision when inflammation of the optic nerves, abnormal fluid build-up, and immune cell infiltration cause the retina to get thicker.

This blurred vision does appear to be symptomatic only not a permanent degeneration of the eye tissue. It is also not likely to be widespread.

Originally published as Covid is far from over — don’t visit your grandma plea