COVID-19 update: Queensland announces new relaxations amidst rising hospitalisations

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

People are seen lined up to receive a vaccination for COVID-19. Source: (AAP Image/Darren England

On Thursday, Australia reported at least 45 COVID-19 deaths, including  20 in Victoria, 14 in New South Wales, and six in Queensland. Also, Western Australia reported one historical death.

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

Queensland has relaxed its COVID-19 rules and restrictions despite the rising number of hospitalisations in the state. It reported 522 people with COVID-19 in hospital on Friday.

From 1 am on 30 June, vaccinations are no longer required to visit residential aged care, disability accommodation or prisons.

Also, for workers in high-risk settings (unless required by their employer), including early childhood, primary and secondary education, prisons, youth detention centres, watch houses and airports.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said vaccines are still mandatory for workers in healthcare, hospitals, aged care and disability care.

COVID-19 testing requirements for international arrivals have been scrapped from 30 June. International travellers were supposed to take a test within 24 hours of coming into Queensland.

NSW Health, in its weekly report ending 18 June, said the proportion of BA.4 and BA.5 specimens has increased from 23 per cent to 31 per cent over the past week.

Of the 77 COVID-19 deaths, only 56 (73%) had received the third dose.

The Tasmanian government said residents can now collect their Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) from Burnie COVID-19 testing clinic between 9 am and 1 pm, seven days a week.

Western Australia will close COVID-19 testing clinics at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Armadale Health Service, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and St John of God Midland Public Hospital from 15 July.

However, free PCR testing will remain available at more than 60 sites and private pathologies across the state.

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