<\/p>\n
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the state appears to have already weathered the worst of the current wave of COVID-19.<\/p>\n
The forecast of a combined winter wave of COVID-19 and flu has seen hospitals across the country struggling.<\/p>\n
“We did modelling, pretty comprehensive modelling, which showed that the end of August would be our peak,” Palaszczuk told Today.<\/p>\n
“However, what we have seen over the last few days is a decline in hospitalizations of people entering the hospital, of course with COVID and with flu. <\/p>\n
“So look, we’ll be monitoring it over the next few days and fingers crossed, maybe we’re past the worst, but time will tell. We just need a few more days to get those numbers under control.<\/p>\n
“The Premier said hospital pressures were being felt across the country and defended his decision to sink $220 million into a dedicated quarantine facility that Queensland Health says is now unnecessary.<\/p>\n
“At the time we had to build it, it was absolutely (a good investment) because we knew there were pressures on our hotel quarantine,” he said.<\/p>\n
He said the government had spent $9.75 billion in its last budget to build three new hospitals and expand health facilities across the state.<\/p>\n
“It’s the biggest hospital boost ever,” he said.<\/p>\n