The state’s top doctor has warned that the peak of the current COVID wave is still a few weeks away as cases continue to rise in Queensland.
Officially, the number of reported active cases has surpassed 39,000.
There are now 705 COVID patients in Queensland hospitals including 106 in private facilities.
That’s the highest number of COVID patients in private hospitals since the Omicron wave at the beginning of this year.
The number of patients in public hospitals is also up by 140 per cent over the past month.
Chief Health Officer John Gerrard says COVID cases will continue to rise over the coming weeks.
“I’m afraid current modelling indicates that the wave is going to get worse, at least until the end of July, if not even after that,” Dr Gerrard said.
“So, the peak of the current wave is currently projected, based on most recent modelling, to continue to get worse until at least until the end of July or early August, when it will peak or even later than that.
“So that will put even greater pressure on our hospitals in the coming weeks.”
Dr Gerrard has also warned that the current subvariant circling in the community has been evading immunity.
He’s urging people to be prepared.
“The good news is that up-to-date vaccination will protect you against severe disease and hospitalization. And if you’re up to date, the illness that you will get with this virus is likely to be mild.
But Dr Gerrard admits he’s worried the message is not getting through, especially to our most vulnerable.
“Unfortunately, at this stage, people over the age of 65 who are most, likely to be admitted with this disease in Queensland, just under 50%, are up to date with their vaccinations, which is very disturbing.”
It comes as Australia’s expert immunisation panel meets today to discuss expanding the fourth COVI jab to people under 65.
