The new Omicron sub-strain is believed to be one of the factors behind a spike in COVID-19 cases in Queensland.

The state has recorded 10,476 new infections today – the highest in almost two months.

Director of infectious diseases at Mater, Dr Paul Griffin, says there are a number of variables for the fluctuation in case numbers, which is to be expected.

“Certainly the increased ability of BA.2 to be passed from one person to another has potentially contributed, as has the lifting of mask mandate and potentially even kids going back to school, and maybe a slight impact from the recent flooding impact as people’s focus was rightly taken away from COVID for a period of time,” he told Scott Emerson.

He says they are seeing a lot of transmission in schools, teachers and parents falling sick.

While Dr Griffin says people should be encouraged to wear a mask particularly in high risk settings, he doesn’t believe it should be mandated yet.

“But if we don’t get things at least to slow down soon that might be something that is considered.”

Press PLAY below to hear more about his explanation of the rise in cases and reports of the new super-cold virus

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