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Qld has 11 virus deaths, 9,546 new cases

Nick GibbsAAP
The number of virus cases in Queensland's hospitals has increased "significantly" to a total of 928.
Camera IconThe number of virus cases in Queensland's hospitals has increased "significantly" to a total of 928. Credit: AAP

Another 11 people have died with COVID-19 in Queensland as the state approaches the peak of the current wave with 9,546 new cases.

Tuesday's deaths were people aged between their 50s and 90s, none of whom had received a booster jab.

"I know this is very heartbreaking to families...none of this is easy," Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said from Townsville on Tuesday.

"There's people out there who are grieving and on behalf of the people of Queensland we extend out sympathies."

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The latest deaths come as the number of virus cases in Queensland's hospitals increased "significantly" to 928, compared with Monday's figures of 878.

They includes 51 patients in intensive care, 13 of whom are on ventilators.

But Ms Palaszczuk said utilisation of hospital beds is lower than expected, with data to be released shortly.

"I just want to see how the peak goes...but at the moment where we're tracking, we will be able to cope," she said.

In "good news" from Omicron waves around the world, there has typically been a steady increase in case load over about a month, followed by a steady fall during the following month, Dr Gerrard said.

"That's what we are expecting to see here in Queensland," he said.

"That will be a time to regroup, when we get to the end of that second month sometime at the end of February or early March."

At this stage of the current wave, it's "well and truly" worthwhile getting a booster shot for those eligible, Dr Gerrard said.

The protection given by a third jab is "well over and above" the second dose, he said.

Queensland's double dose vaccination rate is "inching" toward the 90 per cent mark, and currently sits at 89.18 per cent.

Just over half of those eligible for a third dose have now received their booster shot.

Meanwhile, an announcement about the return to school for the majority of students is expected later in the week after the state's education minister Grace Grace contracted COVID-19.

"We wish her a speedy recovery, so as soon as she is back on deck, the education minister and I will make that announcement," Ms Palaszczuk said.

Face to face learning is expected to return for the majority of students on February 7.

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