Queensland residents have been advised by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to wear masks on public transport and in crowded indoor areas.
Premier Palaszczuk’s advice comes as the Australian state enters the fourth COVID wave.
She said health advice suggested the state shift from green to amber under the new traffic-light system launched almost two weeks ago.
This means that it is recommended for people to wear masks in healthcare settings, on public transport and ride shares, in crowded indoor areas, and around vulnerable people.
The government is encouraging Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) are also encouraged every two days for people living with someone who has COVID.
While the traffic light is amber, people of Queensland should wear a mask:
- in healthcare settings
- indoors, if you can’t socially distance
- on public transport
- if you are older/medically at risk
- around people who are vulnerable to COVID-19.
Premier Palaszczuk’ said in the parliament:
“As always, stay home if you are sick and get a RAT test. I encourage all Queenslanders to ensure they and their families are fully vaccinated.”
In February 2022, Queensland scrapped indoor mask-wearing rules, including at schools, as the number of cases in the state declines.
In Queensland, COVID pandemic patients have doubled to 203 with a 15 per cent increase in active cases. These are currently considered moderate rates of COVID-19 community transmission. When the traffic light is red, people should follow all of the advice for the amber and green traffic lights and wear a mask indoors, even if they can socially distance themselves.
