Hospital boss warns peak is yet to come in Cairns’ third COVID wave

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Cairns’ top health executive has warned the worst of the region’s third COVID wave is yet to come.

Dr Jeremy Wellwood, acting chief executive of the Cairns & Hinterland Health & Hospital Service (CHHHS), said case numbers have doubled over the past week.

50 people are currently hospitalised with COVID-19 in the Cairns region, with one of those in intensive care.

A further 80 high-risk patients are being cared for via telehealth calls and visits by health staff.

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“COVID is well and truly here in the Cairns region – this third wave is definitely hitting us,” he said.

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“This is obviously creating a load for us but we’ve done this before and we will do it again.

“It’s difficult to really know exactly how this will play out over the next month but the predictions are that things won’t peak for another two to three weeks.

“It may get worse before it gets better.

“That’s why it’s so important that we all start to think about how we can really play our part.”

Dr Wellwood is urging people to get a booster if they’re eligible for one, mask up if they can’t socially distance and stay home if they’re sick.

While almost 95 per cent of eligible Cairns residents have had two COVID vaccinations, less than two-thirds have had a booster.

People aged 50 and over are recommended to get a second booster – a fourth dose – while those in their 30s and up are eligible.

“Influenza is another thing we’re battling with here,” Dr Wellwood said.

“The last few years influenza has been relatively light on and this year we have seen a significant impact of influenza.

“It’s just another piece to the puzzle that puts impact on our hospital, but it also reminds the community of how important it is to minimise the respiratory infections.”

A total of 77 people have died with COVID in the Cairns region.

The region has record more than 62,000 cases over the course of the pandemic.