Residents of the state will soon be able to pack away their surgical masks and go mask-free as the Queensland Government announces that it will no longer be required once 80% of the local population has had at least one dose of COVID vaccine.
The state expected to reach the milestone soon, and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said that schools, cafes, pubs, clubs, hairdressers and workplaces would then be safe enough for the people to go mask-free.
“This is another small step back towards life as normal,” the Premier said.
“Queenslanders have done an incredible job all through the pandemic and this is their reward.”
The Premier stated that, with more Queenslanders getting vaccinated, the faster the state and its citizens can return to their lives prior to the lockdowns.
“That means life without the need to wear masks except at airports and on planes,” she said.
Under federal rules, masks are mandatory in airports and planes.
Aside from this, the use of masks is also strongly recommended for public transport and places where people cannot socially distance anywhere across Queensland.
The rules, along with the lifting of the mandatory mask-wear, will take effect as soon as 80% of eligible residents have had at least one dose of vaccine. This will apply across the entire state as Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the 80% milestone made it one rule that is applicable everywhere.
“We have no community cases and therefore no need to wear masks in most settings,” Minister D’Ath said.
“But we shouldn’t throw them away. Masks have been an excellent defence against the spread of COVID and it’s more than likely we will need them again.”
Late yesterday, it was reported that Queensland’s initial vaccination rate was at 79.6%, tantalisingly close to the 80% target.
The Premier said that one good roll-up today could help achieve the 80% target by tomorrow, encouraging everyone to continue to use the Check-In App to keep everyone safe and assist in contact tracing.
Source: Queensland Cabinet and Ministerial Directory Media Statements