COVID cases in Queensland are expected to keep rising for at least another month with hospitalisations set to well and truly surpass previous waves.
The Premier has finally released the latest modelling which shows the peak of the state’s third wave is now not expected until late August.
The state recorded 8612 new cases on Tuesday taking the number of reported active cases to more than 66,000.
However, experts have repeatedly said the real number is likely to be three times higher than that.
The number of people in hospital with the virus has risen to 1,123.
But Annastacia Palaszczuk says that will continue to rise over the next few weeks.
“I’m advised that in the current third wave, hospitalisations are likely to peak at around 1660 cases. This is close to 600 more than we currently have, and that peak is expected to be in late August,” the Premier told a budget estimates hearing on Tuesday.
“Thankfully, it does not predict an increase in patients in intensive care.”
The Premier says the health system is preparing for the expected increase in patients.
But she has urged Queenslanders to do their bit to limit the spread.
“We know that this is going to be our largest peak. So I’m urging Queenslanders, where indoors where possible, please wear a mask.
“It is very important that people get that booster. The biggest impact COVID is having is on our seniors in our community.”