June 28, 2022
The death toll from COVID-19 within the Darling Downs Health region has risen to 48, taking the tally for June to 10.
The Queensland COVID-related death toll is now 1218, with more than 150 of these occurring since June 1.
Fourteen deaths were announced by Queensland Health on Tuesday morning.
A total of 5268 new cases were also announced, taking the estimated number of active COVID-19 cases in the State to 29,776 – a number known to be under-estimated.
There are currently 593 people being treated for COVID-19 in Queensland hospitals, including 14 patients in intensive care units.
On Friday (June 24) these figures were 512 and six in ICU, showing a recent lift in case numbers linked to the new Omicron sub-variants BA.4 and BA.5 now circulating in Queensland.
These are expected to become the dominant strains in the State and have already caused a surge in cases interstate.
Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard has urged Queenslanders to remain up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccination boosters, particularly people aged over 65 (who are eligible to receive a fourth shot) or people with impaired immunity.
Officially, a total of 1237 people in the South Burnett have had COVID-19 since the pandemic began, with all but three cases occurring since December 13.
NB. There are also 121 people being treated for influenza in Queensland hospitals, including five in intensive care units; there have been 25 flu-related deaths in Queensland so far this year.
[UPDATED with correction]
