The State Government has confirmed Queensland’s COVID-19 traffic light system will end today.
The virus will now be monitored the same way as any other virus.
Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard says removing the traffic light system doesn’t mean the pandemic is over, citing COVID is still “very common” in the community.
“COVID-19 continues to evolve, so it is important our response evolves with it,” Dr Gerrard says.
“The Public Health Emergency declared by the World Health Organization ended in May and COVID-19 is now an ongoing part of our reality, much like other acute respiratory illnesses such as influenza and RSV,
“COVID-19 waves are declining in trend and severity, in line with evidence pointing to the illness becoming endemic. While the virus remains very active in the community, we haven’t seen major surges in hospitalisations since December last year.
“Given this, a widescale COVID-19-specific traffic light alert system is no longer appropriate or necessary.”
The changes come amidst a surge in cases of influenza across the state, with health authorities urging Queenslanders to get vaccinated.
Approximately 92% of those in hospital with the flu are unvaccinated.
Active cases of influenza recorded last week along was 4,389 – while recorded COVID cases sat at 2,721.
“The pandemic disrupted the normal seasonal pattern of other respiratory viruses worldwide, with our influenza season this year occurring about two months earlier than we would typically expect,” Dr Gerrard says,
“More Queenslanders are in intensive care with influenza than with COVID-19 and we are very concerned about the recent surge in influenza cases in adults and children,
“In addition to COVID-19 and Influenza A and B, we are seeing typical winter viruses like rhinovirus, RSV, parainfluenza and adenovirus.
“This new phase in the way we manage COVID-19 signals progress, but it’s crucial that Queenslanders remain aware that respiratory illnesses are still circulating.”
Health Minister Shannon Fentiman is encouraging everyone to get their flu vaccination, with hospitalisation currently spanning all ages.
“We are seeing a surge of cases at the moment, and the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your family is get your flu shot,” Minister Fentiman says,
“About 92% of Queenslanders who are hospitalized with the flu are unvaccinated. So it is so important right now that you get your vaccination,
“And of course, there are a number of Queenslanders who are eligible for a free flu shot. And all of our health workforce are offered free vaccinations as well.”
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Queensland COVID-19 and influenza cases as of June 18, 2023 |
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Virus |
Active cases (June 12-18) | Total cases – 2023 Year to Date | Hospital bed occupancy (June 12-18) | ICU cases (June 12-18) | Deaths – 2023 Year to Date |
| COVID-19 |
2,721 |
101,351 | 256 | 1 | 515 |
| Influenza | 4,389 | 32,577 | 180 | 3 |
41 |
Note: A count of beds occupied means that the same patient may be counted multiple times across different days.
