Queensland records 784 new cases, but just four in hospital - 9News

Queensland has recorded 784 new COVID-19 cases as the Omicron variant continues to spread throughout the state.

Just four people are currently in hospital.

Hundreds of Queensland health workers are also struggling to get a test, telling 9News they were having to queue for hours.

Queensland has recorded 784 new COVID-19 cases. (Cameron Atfield)

Testing queue times in Queensland were around five hours, while those who do eventually get in to be tested then face a three-day wait for results.

As well as waiting in line for hours, they're unable to return to work, placing further pressure on the health system.

So far, 72 health workers have tested positive for COVID-19, while just over 350 are in isolation.

Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said this did not mean the health system lacked protections, as many of the workers would have contracted the virus in the community.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said extra staff were being put into Queensland's testing clinics.

"I understand some private providers have closed over the holiday period, and that is making it very difficult for people to get their tests," she said.

But despite the spread of Omicron, she said so far there were no plans for extra restrictions in the state.

Ms Palaszczuk is holding firm on Queensland's border rules, sticking to the January 1 date for changing testing requirements.

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The government's plan is to relax the requirements for a PCR test ahead of arrival, in exchange for a rapid antigen test, which can be taken at home.

"We're just working out how that could be administered," Ms Palaszczuk said.

She said Queensland's current requirement for travellers to have a COVID-19 test on day five of their trip into the Sunshine State was also under examination.

"We are doing some work about whether or not that could be a rapid antigen test," she said.

She said an update would be coming in the next 24 to 48 hours.

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https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMilgFodHRwczovL3d3dy45bmV3cy5jb20uYXUvbmF0aW9uYWwvY29yb25hdmlydXMtcXVlZW5zbGFuZC11cGRhdGVzLW5ldy1jYXNlLW51bWJlcnMtb21pY3Jvbi1zcHJlYWQtdGhyb3VnaG91dC1zdGF0ZS9iNjAwOWFjNi05ZjFhLTQ4ODEtYTA0Ny0wYTExZmQxMDdjYTHSAQA?oc=5

2021-12-27 08:43:09Z
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