has recorded 13,551 new Covid cases and nine deaths.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the new cases on Wednesday during a press conference.
The state saw a slight drop in hospitalisations in the past 24 hours, mostly on the Gold Coast, with 889 people in hospital, including 47 patients who are in intensive care and 15 people who are on ventilators.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced 9 more Covid-19 deaths on Wednesday as the state battles an outbreak in which half of those who have died reside in aged care facilities
Ms Palaszuk urged elderly residents to limit their movement as the state approached its peak.
Queensland Chief Health Officer John Gerrard said different regions across the state would experience their peaks at different times.
‘The Gold Coast is probably going through its peak now or probably just passed its peak … we can expect Brisbane to go through its peak next and probably Townsville the following week,’ he said.
‘Cairns interestingly is a little bit earlier, probably approaching the peak now or in the next few days so it’s different in different regions.’
United Workers Union aged care director Carolyn Smith said aged care workers are waiting more than a week for additional supplies of PPE due to supply chain delays
Cases across Australia appear to be declining with both NSW and Victoria appearing to come off a peak.
Chair of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness and former health department head Jane Halton warned large gatherings on Australia Day could put the progress at risk.
She said the closer people pack together, the more likely the virus will spread.
‘We don’t want another peak courtesy of Australia Day when we should all be being very happy about Australia and eating those lamingtons,’ she said.
She stopped short of suggesting events should be cancelled, instead encouraging people to wear masks, maintain social distance and remain cautious.
‘I don’t think we should be cancelling things.I just think people should be courteous, thoughtful, Pts Terbaik Sumatera and a little bit careful,’ Prof Halton said.