The Latest Breaking News from John Gerrard

Pressure on Queensland's health system is beginning to ease after the state passed a peak in COVID-19 hospitalisations much earlier than modelling predicted.

While attending Brisbane's Ekka, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says COVID-19-related hospital admissions have been falling steadily since last month.

Some Queensland regions have recorded flu cases more than 12 times above the average year, putting huge pressure on the regional health system.

More than 160 Queensland residential aged care facilities are dealing with active COVID-19 outbreaks, with the third Omicron wave threatening to hit harder than the January peak.

Triage tents are being used outside some hospitals in south-east Queensland, with the number of people hospitalised with COVID-19 across the state likely to exceed 1,000 in coming weeks — the highest number of the pandemic so far, health authorities say.

Health officials are tackling a COVID-19 outbreak that has so far infected more than 100 people on the Coral Princess, which docked on the NSW South Coast on Tuesday. Here's what we know so far.

Chief Health Officer says it is too early to ascertain what the impact of long COVID would be on the Sunshine State, given it had only been subject to Omicron waves when the population was highly vaccinated.

Australia is expected to follow other parts of the world in expanding eligibility for a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose to the wider population, with the Prime Minister saying the pandemic "isn't over" while encouraging eligible Australians to get their booster shots.

Queensland authorities are urging people to prepare for a third COVID-19 wave saying "it's very likely that either you or someone you know" will be infected.

The Queensland government is warning of an escalation in the number of health and hospital staff unable to work due to COVID, with 2,016 currently off sick in the midst of the state's growing COVID wave.

Yvette D'Ath says it is important for people to remember that COVID-19 is still having an impact on communities, with more than 600 Queenslanders currently in hospital with the disease.