Qld smashes Covid-19 case record

There are currently 16,688 active cases in the state and, although authorities are surprised that Sunday’s figures were not even higher, they are bracing for daily numbers to continue to surge.

“(Sunday’s) number is probably a little bit smaller impact than we had expected … it probably relates to testing over the holiday period,” chief health officer Dr John Gerrard said.

Although Dr Gerrard said the Omicron variant appeared to be delivering milder symptoms compared to the Delta strain, hospitalisations in Queensland have jumped by 40 per cent from 80 to 112 – with five people now in intensive care – up from one.

There are no people on ventilators, but Dr Gerrard said two pregnant women are among the people in intensive care, one of whom is unvaccinated.

Dr Gerrard said he expected to see more pregnant women catching the virus in the coming weeks and months as case numbers surged, but nonetheless warned of the specific dangers Covid presents to expecting mothers.

“It is critical that pregnant women (and) women who are planning to get pregnant, get vaccinated because the virus is not good for the pregnant mother nor for the unborn child,” Dr Gerrard said.

“Many people aren‘t aware that pregnancy … your level of immunity is slightly suppressed. “This means that pregnant women are more susceptible to a number of different infections including Covid-19. That is why it is so critical that pregnant women get vaccinated.”

Sunday’s numbers follow new mask measures recommended by Dr Gerrard on Saturday to stem the Sunshine State’s surging Covid tide.

The new rules are an extension on existing mask-wearing mandates that cover supermarkets and shops, public transport, cinemas, airports and rideshare services.

The start of the new year does however mean people arriving from interstate hot spots now no longer require a PCR test to enter the state.

However, from 1am on Sunday Queenslanders are required to wear masks at all indoor venues, including indoor stadiums and arenas, libraries, hairdressers, nail salons, waiting rooms and medical centres.

Masks must be worn when standing in pubs, clubs and cafes, and in workplaces where it is safe to do so.

Queensland has also changed the way it reports Covid case numbers, with the daily tally now representing the cases to 7pm the prior day instead of 8am that morning.

This means Sunday’s numbers are a measure of the cases from 7pm Friday to 7pm Saturday.

NSW and Victoria’s daily caseload eased back on Sunday as testing numbers softened on New Year’s Day.

Lines for PCR tests have shrunk after Queensland last week dropped the requirement for visitors to take a day five test.

Originally published as Qld Covid: State records 3587 new cases as residents wake to new mask and PCR rules