COVID-19 update: Australia reports 48 deaths, rise in new infections

This is your update on COVID-19 in Australia for 24 May.

People walk along Bourke Street Mall in Melbourne, Sunday, March 20, 2022. (AAP Image/Diego Fedele) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP Image/Diego Fedele

On Tuesday, Australia reported at least 48 COVID-19 deaths, including 18 in Queensland, 16 in Victoria and 14 in New South Wales (NSW).

New COVID-19 cases soared across Australia after registering a decline over the weekend and Monday.

Queensland's new daily infections jumped from 3,534 on Monday to 5,118 on Tuesday. Similarly, Western Australia reported a rise from 10,013 to 12,114 cases. It reported six historical deaths.

South Australia also reported 14 historical deaths that occurred between 21 March 2022 and 22 May 2022.

Check the latest COVID-19 trends for new cases, hospitalisations and deaths in Australia here.

South Australia has advised parents to report the positive RAT result of their child within 24 hours. The state government suggested a PCR test for children who have COVID-19 symptoms but their RAT result is negative.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said state hospitals are facing a triple threat with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, a surge in flu cases and staff furloughing (unpaid leaves) due to illness. He appealed residents to get a flu vaccine without further delays.

Queensland will begin distributing free flu vaccinations to all residents aged over six months from today. Residents can get their free jab from their GP or pharmacy until 30 June.

COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now operating in the following shopping centres until 29 May.

NSW - Tweed Heads - Tweed City Shopping Centre

NSW - Bankstown - Roselands Shopping Centre

QLD - Loganholme - Logan Hyperdome

QLD - Beenleigh - Beenleigh Marketplace

QLD - Southport - Australia Fair Shopping Centre

VIC - Cardinia - Pakenham Central

SA - Salisbury Downs - Hollywood Plaza

SA -Adelaide - Munno Para Shopping Centre

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