WE MUST HOLD THE LINE IN COVID FIGHT

AS we enjoy near perfect weather conditions and a slew of big-ticket events, we must be mindful of the knife-edge threat of the Covid pandemic again spiralling out of control.

We’ve seen massive crowds out to play recently for the Supercars, footy and plenty of live entertainment.

But as the case numbers speed up again across the state and hospitals and doctors once again warn of the burden on our health system, we must do what we can to minimise the risk of widespread infections, even if the state government hasn’t yet mandated compulsory masks.

Overwhelmed doctors are urging Queenslanders to work from home where possible to help the health system cope.

Federal health experts renewed the call after hundreds of thousands of people caught Covid in the past week and more than 50,000 cases nationally were recorded in the past 24 hours.

But the true case numbers are likely to be double the official 300,000 figure, Health Minister Mark Butler warned. It comes as Queensland on Tuesday recorded its highest number of Covid-19 hospitalisations since the pandemic began.

Late yesterday there were 983 people in hospital, including 24 in ICU. This is up from 914 in hospital on Monday.

The Queensland chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Bruce Willett said that without Covid-19 safety mandates, people must step up in this the worst wave the state has seen.

Congratulations to the organisers of the upcoming “run4reef” event (“Running for the reef”, Townsville Bulletin, 13/7). Initiatives that link health and fun with protection of our natural environment are usually positively received by communities. In particular, raising awareness and funds to support our iconic Great Barrier Reef is particularly important. In short, ensuring that future generations can experience the sheer joy of the majestic Great Barrier reef is a cause worth getting out and running for!

AMY HILLER, Kew.