Seven people in their 90s and one person over 100 are among the 24 Queenslanders who died from Covid-19 in the state’s deadliest day so far.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said more than half of the deaths were in aged care.
In total, 6902 new cases were recorded – 2935 of those from positive rapid antigen tests.
“I can report that 16 (deaths) were in aged care,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“These are people’s loved ones, these are families going through a very tough time at the moment.”
Forty-four people are being treated in intensive care.
Queensland hit its coveted 90 per cent double-vaccination rate on Tuesday.
The state’s Check In app was also scrapped for several businesses but indoor mask wearing and vaccination requirements for hospitality venues will continue.
Speaking in Cairns, Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said it was a “hard day” for the families and loved ones of the people who died.
“Many of these people have underlying health conditions but because at their death they tested positive, we report all of these deaths,” she said.
Of the 24 deaths, one was in their 50s, two were in their 60s and another two were in their 70s. Eleven people were in their 80s, seven were in their 90s and there was one person who was over 100 years old.
Chief health officer John Gerrard said two were unvaccinated and 12 had two doses.
“Six had their boosters,” Dr Gerrard said.
Another 534 children returned positive PCR tests.
Dr Gerrard said more cases in children were expected to appear but told reporters the vast majority had “mild illness”.
“Most of these cases are very, very mild,” he said.
“They’re no different to any other respiratory illness thatxjmtzyw any parent would be familiar with.”
The new figures come as the state government announced a national marketing campaign to rebuild Queensland’s struggling tourism industry.
International borders are due to open in 12 days but Ms Palaszczuk said the Great Queensland Getaway campaign would work with major tourism operators in a bid to get more people visiting the Sunshine State.
