Queensland has passed the peak of the third COVID wave with it expected to end in the coming weeks, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says. Ms Palaszczuk made the announcement at the Ekka today with hospitalization numbers falling steadily since last month. “We actually peaked around July 25 … that’s excellent news,” she said. Chief Health Officer … Read more
As throngs of people flock to the Ekka showgrounds, authorities are concerned about a potential spike in COVID-19 and influenza cases in the Queensland community. A string of illnesses remain in the community with COVID cases still high, the flu season not yet over and cases of monkeypox being reported interstate. With some 1,300 head … Read more
A resident of South Africa became the first person in the country to die from what is called a “causal link” to the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, the nation’s Health Products and Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) said on Thursday. The unidentified person developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome — a rare neurological disorder that affects the body’s immune … Read more
Australia may have seen the worst of the most-recent wave of COVID-19’s Omicron variant, which has swept through aged care facilities and strained hospitals, according to federal Health Minister Mark Butler. Key points: COVID-19 hospitalisations are high, but appear to be declining Australia may have reached its winter peak sooner than expected Millions of Australians … Read more
Ambulance ramping has worsened in Queensland amid the latest COVID wave, as it’s revealed satellite hospitals designed to lessen the load on the health system will not be ready until the end of next year. Key points: The seven hospitals are now due to open by the end of 2023 Queensland Health says delays are … Read more
Queensland has recorded one of its highest death tolls of the pandemic, with 27 COVID-related fatalities in the latest reporting period. Key points: About 50 percent of COVID deaths are in aged care facilities The death toll in the reporting period can include deaths recorded outside of a single day The Acting CHO said construction … Read more
New modeling shows COVID-19 hospitalisations are likely to peak in late August at around 1,660 patients, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has revealed in parliament. Key points: The Premier does not expect ICU numbers to rise with the peak in hospitalisations It was only a week ago the number of people in hospital with COVID exceeded 1,000 … Read more
COVID hospitalisations in South Australia have hit a new record as students prepare to return to school tomorrow with mask recommendations from the state’s top doctor. Key points: More than 370 COVID patients are in SA hospitals, the highest since the pandemic begins But daily COVID cases have dropped Year three and above students are … Read more
Aged care providers are “very concerned” rising COVID-19 outbreaks in the sector could be similar or worse than outbreaks seen earlier in the pandemic. Key points: Aged care providers are calling for more support as cases arise Unions say the workforce is “exhausted” and knows more work is to come The sector has asked the … Read more
Health authorities say it is unclear when Queensland’s current COVID wave will peak, as the government continues to resist calls to reinstate a mask mandate. Key points: COVID hospitalisations have not risen in the past 24 hours Acting CHO Peter Aitken says there is no mask mandate on the agenda Dr Aitken says people up … Read more