“It’s going to be actually necessary that we attempt to hold a few of these behaviours going in order that we’re higher ready for the subsequent wave.”
Former Queensland chief well being officer and Queensland College of Expertise public well being knowledgeable Gerard FitzGerald agreed, including that making certain booster doses had been saved up-to-date amongst susceptible cohorts was a very powerful measure going ahead.
“We can not get rid of it now. And so all we are able to do is defend these people who find themselves susceptible.
Regardless of the severity of the current wave, Queensland authorities — like others — have been reluctant to introduce new public well being measures reminiscent of broader masks mandates in response to the wave.
As a substitute, they’ve opted to suggest folks take private duty for his or her well being together with the sporting of masks in busy and confined indoor areas.
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The state authorities additionally determined to hand out free masks to these attending the Ekka, which started this weekend for the first time in three years, and runs till August 14.
Talking from the positioning on Sunday, Agriculture Minister Mark Furner stated he was “fairly impressed” with the variety of folks he had seen sporting masks within the occasion’s indoor areas.
“For those who’re not feeling nicely, one of the best factor to do is keep away,” he stated.
State well being authorities have reported 86 deaths amongst folks with the virus previously seven days alone. A complete of 1646 have been recorded this 12 months, after simply seven earlier than that.
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The Albanese federal authorities has now quietly wound up its Operation COVID Defend vaccine program, regardless of thousands and thousands of Australians being overdue for his or her boosters and one-fifth of aged care residents nonetheless ready for his or her fourth doses because the current nationwide peak additionally passes.
Queensland’s vaccination charges have largely stalled, with the worst booster charges within the nation of simply 59.21 per cent — up from 56 per cent in April. Second dose charges are but to tick previous 86 per cent, after reaching 85 per cent in mid-Might.
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