Queenslanders are being urged to wear masks in certain settings after cases jumped by 61 per cent.
Authorities are urging people in the Greater Brisbane area to wear masks when they leave home for essential activities, such as shopping or exercising.
On Thursday, an “amber” tier was implemented as Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk declared Queensland was entering a new wave of coronavirus.
Masks should be worn in health care settings, on public transport, indoors, and around people vulnerable to Covid under the new tier system, according to health authorities.
John Gerrard, the chief health officer, said on Friday the number of active cases had increased to 7130 from 4438 in the span of a week.
“The number of active cases is continuing to increase significantly,” Mr. Gerrard said.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the state is not in lockdown but people should wear masks in indoor spaces where they cannot physically distance.
“We have seen an increase in cases in Queensland and that is why we are asking people to wear masks,” she said.
“I know it is inconvenient but it is important.”
Ms Palaszczuk said the decision to wear masks was a “personal choice” but she would be doing so when she returned to work on Monday.
“We need to do everything we can to stop the spread of this virus,” she said.
“Wearing a mask is one way we can do that.”
The wearing of masks has been mandatory on public transport and in indoor spaces in Victoria since last week.
Between November 3-9, Queensland health authorities reported 5828 new cases, 202 people were hospitalised, and 15 died.
The occupancy of hospital beds increased by 97% yesterday, both in private and public hospitals.
The average age of Queenslanders reporting positive Covid results has increased with each successive wave this year, Dr. Gerrard revealed.
“It is likely that the Queenslanders who are catching Covid now are older than they were at the start of the year and that they are not up to date on their vaccinations,” Dr. Gerrard said.
