The state government will ramp up COVID testing with another clinic to open at Cleveland as people across the south-east queue for hours on foot and in cars.
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Queensland recorded 6781 new cases today, bringing the total number of active cases to more than 32,000.
It comes after 29,418 tests were done in the 24 hours to 6.30am on Wednesday.
Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said the true case number would be significantly higher with rapid antigen tests also being taken at home since the definition of a close contact was updated by the National Cabinet last week.
- Also read: National cabinet overhauls COVID-19 rules
- Also read: Labor backs growing calls for free RATs
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced six more private pathology testing sites would open, including one at Delancey St, Cleveland to keep up with growing demand for PCR tests.
Other clinics opened are at Ashgrove, Boondall, Edens Landing, Indooroopilly, Wilston and Bundall, but most would only be open until noon each day.
As demand for RATs also rises, Ms Palaszczuk said she would ask for the tests to become free for vulnerable groups at the next National Cabinet meeting.
"We just need to make it very, very simple and easy, especially to our most vulnerable people at this particular point in time," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"For our pensioners, for our health card holders these should be made available for free."
Emily Lowe
Redland City Bulletin journalist covering community, politics, crime and human interest stories. Griffith University Alumni.
Redland City Bulletin journalist covering community, politics, crime and human interest stories. Griffith University Alumni.
