Six people have died from COVID-19 in Queensland as the state records another 14,914 new virus cases and prepares to dump all domestic border controls.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says it's the largest number of people to die from COVID-19 in a day in the state since the pandemic began in 2020.
The dead were all aged between their 70s, 80s and 90s, and had significant underlying health conditions.
"During the whole two years of the pandemic, we've lost seven people. To lose six in one day is a big shock, and our thoughts are with the people at the moment," she said.
"It's quite upsetting."
The premier also said the state will drop all domestic border controls, with the Omicron variant already widespread in the community and 90 per cent of eligible Queenslanders to be fully vaccinated at some point next week.
At least 91.33 per cent of people have had at least one dose and 88.18 are now double dosed with the premier urging people to have their booster shots as soon as possible.
She said road border checkpoints will be removed and travellers will no longer have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test from 1am on Saturday.
"They do not have to show that they've had the border pass, they don't have to show that they have to state that they've had a RAT test, rapid antigen test," Ms Palaszczuk added.
"But this is the time and the time it's now right as we head towards hitting that 90 per cent."
However, Ms Palaszczuk said international restrictions will be maintained until Queensland hits the vaccination target.
She admitted that opening the borders was a big decision but said it was the correct choice as the state moved forward.
"It's a decision that's needed as we reached the peak of this Omicron wave and operationally the police are needed at the frontline," the premier said.
"Their job has absolutely kept Queenslanders safe but now is the time for the barricades to come down, and for the police to come home and the police to continue about their normal operational duties."
Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said the border changes reflect the changing nature of the cases across Australia.
"It was important throughout 2021 that we controlled those people coming from hotspots and had restrictions around that - it is becoming less important by the day because this virus could be in any jurisdiction," Ms D'Ath said.
"We should assume that anyone travelling around Australia domestically could have the virus."
Ms D'Ath said the focus had shifted to restrictions for those who remain unvaccinated.
"Our restrictions around who can access certain venues and events remain because we are still wanting to make sure that only fully vaccinated people are entering those venues and those events that are more likely to see fast transmission."
Overnight, the state recorded 14,914 new cases and 2812 positive rapid antigen tests.
Twenty-six people are being treated in intensive care, the number of people needing ventilation has fallen to 10 and more than 500 people are being treated in hospital.
Almost 6000 children aged 5-11 were vaccinated on Wednesday.
The number of children now receiving their first vaccination has now hit 18,598.
