With the borders open and the new mandate now in effect, the Queensland government has now reintroduced the mask mandate.
Queensland’s Chief Health Officer, Dr John Gerrard, yesterday suggested people start wearing their masks again, but at today’s press conference the premier announced the enforcement of masks again.
As of 1am Saturday 18 December, masks will be required in indoor settings, where people cannot socially distance. This means in shops and retail centres, hospitals and aged care, on public transport, in rideshare vehicles and airports and planes.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the move was a necessary measure in the face of rising case numbers.
“This is a small price to pay for your freedoms,” she said.
“We are seeing more cases, and we definitely don’t want to see a massive escalation over Christmas-New Year.”
From today, pubs, clubs and other venues are for the vaccinated only and masks are not required but they are recommended.
The mask mandate will be revised once Queensland hits 90% double dosed.