Queensland Covid-19 cases spike by the thousands

On Thursday, Queensland recorded 5,695 new COVID-19 cases, a significant increase from the previous day's 2,999.

Sadly, there were 12 deaths reported, bringing the total number of lives lost to the virus in the state to 918.

The state's chief health officer, Dr John Gerrard, expressed concern about the sharp rise in cases, saying it was "a significant jump" and that the state was "now in the midst of a third wave."

He urged Queenslanders to get vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible, as vaccination "remains our best protection against severe illness and death from COVID-19."

The spike in cases has put pressure on the state's hospital system, with the number of COVID-19 patients in hospital increasing to 495, up from 447 the previous day.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was "very concerned" about the rising number of cases and that the government was "doing everything we can to support our health system."

She encouraged Queenslanders to follow the health advice and to get tested if they have any COVID-19 symptoms.

Qld Covid