New Queensland COVID-19 cases leap to 3118

Robyn Wuth | December 31, 2021

COVID-19 numbers in Queensland have surged to 3118 new infections for the final day of 2021 as revellers showing any symptoms are warned to stay at home.

The number of active cases has risen to 11,697 after 35,215 people underwent testing in the most recent 24-hour reporting period.

Despite the rapidly rising infection rate, only one patient – a man in his 50s – is undergoing treatment in intensive care.

The man is double-vaccinated but has contracted the Delta strain of the virus. 

His condition is stable, and he is not on a ventilator, Chief Health Officer John Gerrard said. 

“It reminds us that even if you’re vaccinated, it is possible to get quite sick with COVID-19,” Dr Gerrard said. 

“It does happen – we’ve known this all along.”

Dr Gerrard said the queues of people at testing centres had eased slightly across the state. 

Queenslanders feeling unwell were urged to stay at home – no matter how mild their symptoms. 

“If you have any respiratory symptoms, there is a good chance that it’s going to be COVID at this point,” Dr Gerrard said. 

“You should stay at home this new year if you are sick.”

Police Minister Mark Ryan said Queenslanders were “well-armed” for the fight against the pandemic. 

“Not only has Queensland done so well responding to the risk of COVID-19, but they have the weapons in their arsenal to respond to COVID-19,” he said. 

Mr Ryan urged the community to continue to take preventative measures against infection.

“I wanted to remind Queenslanders of those weapons – wearing a mask, practising personal hygiene, keeping your distance, following the health directives, and getting tested and staying home if you’re sick,” he said.  

“If you continue to use all those weapons in your arsenal, you’ll keep yourself safe, your family and friends in your community safe.”