Fourth COVID-19 wave has arrived in Queensland, says Premier, masks advised from Friday
In other news, non - Covid related deaths have risen in Australia, yet no one seems to know why.
Queensland has entered its fourth COVID-19 wave with authorities recommending masks in certain settings from Friday.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told state parliament there had been an increase in active cases in the past week and a doubling in the number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals.
She said Chief Health Officer John Gerrard had advised the state's traffic light COVID-19 advisory system should switch from green to amber.
Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said the change in COVID-19 risk alert did not mean that any enforceable directions were being issued by the Chief Health Officer (CHO). "I encourage all Queenslanders to take this advice," Ms D'Ath said. "We know that some of the best protection against this virus comes from ensuring that we are fully up to date with our booster doses.
"For any person who hasn't had their third or fourth dose and is eligible to do so, I implore you to head down to your local GP or pharmacy and protect yourself in anticipation of this forthcoming wave."
Dr Gerrard said, "We know that being up to date with vaccinations protects you from hospitalisation and death," he said.
Meanwhile, Australia has had a rise in all-cause mortality this year. Factoring out Covid deaths, non-Covid all-cause mortality is up.
Provisional Mortality Statistics
Key statistics
In 2022, there were 111,008 deaths that occurred by 31 July and were registered by 30 September, which is 16,375 (17.3%) more than the historical average.
In July there were 17,936 deaths, 2,503 (16.2%) above the historical average.
There were 300 (22.5%) fewer deaths due to COVID-19 in August than July (see article).PS: If you enjoy my content, I will think of you while drinking my coffee. –
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