Queensland has rejected suggestions frxjmtzywom Victoria that international visitors should be triple-vaxxed before flying in, saying she will stick to the double-dose requirement unless directed by ATAGI.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she wouldn’t be moving to the requirement after the state recorded its deadliest day in the pandemic to date, with 24 people dead.
More than half of the deaths were in aged care.
In total, 6902 new cases were recorded – 2935 of those from positive rapid antigen tests.
Forty-four people are being treated in intensive care.
On Wednesday, Ms Palaszczuk said Queensland would be sticking to it’s double-dose requirement for international travellers when borders open in 12 days.
It comes after Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews suggested three doses of the vaccine was the safest way to prepare for the international influx.
But Ms Palaszczuk rejected the idea.
“I’ve heard some commentary about the vaccination rate for international travel … let me say very clearly that Queensland will be keeping to the double vaccination requirement,” she said.
“If ATAGI changes that, we will absolutely follow suit with Victoria. That is not the case at the moment.”
Ms Palaszczuk announced a national marketing campaign to rebuild Queensland’s struggling tourism industry would soon kick off.
She said the Great Queensland Getaway campaign would work with major tourism operators in a bid to get more people visiting the Sunshine State, offering special discounts and vouchers to use with operators across the state.
Queensland hit its coveted 90 per cent double-vaccination rate on Tuesday.
The state’s Check In app was also scrapped for several businesses but indoor mask wearing and vaccination requirements for hospitality venues will continue.
Speaking in Cairns, Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said it was a “hard day” for the families and loved ones of the people who died.
“Many of these people have underlying health conditions but because at their death they tested positive, we report all of these deaths,” she said.
Of the 24 deaths, one was in their 50s, two were in their 60s and another two were in their 70s. Eleven people were in their 80s, seven were in their 90s and there was one person who was over 100 years old.
Chief health officer John Gerrard said two were unvaccinated and 12 had two doses.
“Six had their boosters,” Dr Gerrard said.
Another 534 children returned positive PCR tests.
Dr Gerrard said more cases in children were expected to appear but told reporters the vast majority had “mild illness”.
“Most of these cases are very, very mild,” he said.
“They’re no different to any other respiratory illness that any parent would be familiar with.”
