Hopes the Cairns region is reaching its COVID-19 peak

##MP##

The number of COVID-19 cases in the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) area has dropped in the most recent reporting period and health authorities say they’re hopeful the region is nearing its peak.

228 cases were recorded over the past day, down from 260 yesterday and 801 daily cases a week ago.

The CEO of CHHHS, Tina Chinery, said there have been about 17,000 cases across the region since borders re-opened last month.

“We’re really hopeful that we’re nearing the peak at the moment,” she said.

“However, we do know we need to see that for a number of days in a row.”

##BA##

Currently, 82 people are in hospital with seven in intensive care.

“They’re very, very unwell and really the majority of people in our intensive care unit have been there because they have deteriorated with the Omicron illness,” Ms Chinery said.

“There’s not really a theme coming through with the intensive care unit but what I can say is the booster is critically important to have to avoid ending up in the intensive care unit.

##PQ##

While the double dose vaccination rate in the Cairns region sits at 90 per cent, the number of people receiving a third dose is below the state average, at 31 per cent.

A further 86 people are in the virtual ward, which means they’re being checked on remotely via telephone and video calls as well oxygen saturation monitoring and will be admitted to hospital as required.

Ms Chinery is urging people to come forward for a booster.

“We know it helps keep you out of hospital if you have that booster dose,” she said.

“We know it makes a difference to the illness and its effects on you.

“It also takes pressure off the hospital system and our wonderful staff.”

The start of the state's school year was pushed back due to the predicted peak.

In the past two-and-a-half weeks, 26 per cent of five to 11 year-olds have been vaccinated in the Cairns region.