Queenslanders are being asked to do their bit to slow the spread of COVID-19, amid new modelling for the end of the winter peak.

1123 people are currently in hospital with COVID-19 and that figure is expected to increase significantly, peaking at 1,660 late in August.

President of the Australian Medical Association of Queensland, Dr Maria Boulton, says authorities were always bracing for the worst in late August.

“If anyone set foot in an emergency department today, who was querying about whether or not we need to wear masks, after seeing what’s happening at the frontline you would go and buy a mask because it is really scary,” she told Neil Breen.

“Please, please put the mask on we know they make a difference, along with making sure you are up to date with your boosters, along with if you are eligible for an oral anti-viral, speaking to your GP about it.”

Press PLAY below to hear her explain the situation on the frontline now

Hard work is underway to ensure our health system is ready for what’s ahead.

Preparations include bringing extra beds online and scaling up our QAS coordination hub.

We’re moving more health staff to the frontline and using virtual care models to reduce pressure on EDs. https://t.co/QR7RbO5mkJ

— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) July 26, 2022