No early finish amid Covid rise

EDUCATION Minister Grace Grace says there is no plan for schools to finish early despite growing concerns about Queensland being flooded by a fourth Omicron wave.

It comes as Queensland virus numbers exploded last week with more than 5800 new cases recorded, which put hundreds in hospital and resulted in 15 deaths.

In other states, New South Wales recorded 19,000 new cases over the past week, 16,000 in Victoria and 8000 in Western Australia.

While Year 12s finish schooling on November 18, Queensland’s lower grades will have a nervous wait before school holidays start on December 9.

Ms Grace said the latest health advice did not suggest school should finish early.

“As we have done throughout the pandemic, we will continue to follow the health advice and remember, if you’re sick, stay home,” Ms Grace said.

“Mask wearing will not be enforced but if students and staff would like to wear masks in schools they will be supported to do so, and schools can provide masks for those who do not have them.

The state’s Covid traffic light system last week switched from green to amber, following confirmation of a jump in hospitalisations and ambulance call-outs.

Chief health officer Dr John Gerrard said there had been a 58 per cent increase in active cases and a 93 per cent spike in hospitalisations.

“That means it’s time to be alert, but not alarmed,” Ms Grace said of the amber system. Ms Grace said private schools were encouraged to follow the latest health advice.

It is recommended to wear masks in healthcare settings, on public transport and rideshares, indoors where social distancing is difficult and for at risk people or those around vulnerable. Dr Gerrard assured Queenslanders the traffic light system would not cause any disruptions to travel plans over the holidays.