Queenslanders Will Still Need to Keep Wearing Masks in Most Situations for the Next Fortnight

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced that a number of Queensland's COVID-19 restrictions are easing again, including rules around gathering and venue capacities, drinking and eating while standing up, and dancing. The changes will apply from 4pm today, Friday, August 27; however, one thing is staying: wearing masks in many scenarios.

If you live in the Brisbane City Council, Logan, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Redlands, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Noosa, Somerset, Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim Local Government Areas, it has been some time since you've been able to flash your smile at people outside of your own home. Since the end of June, in an effort to stop the region's recent COVID-19 cases from spreading, wearing masks has been compulsory across the region; however, that mandate relaxed slightly a week ago. The current settings will now remain in place for the next fortnight across the state, too, so you'll still be hiding that grin until at least Friday, September 10.

Need a refresher on the rules? Queensland has a standing mask mandate for flights, airports and stadiums, so you'll always need to mask up there — and, for the next two weeks, they'll remain mandatory in plenty of other spots. That includes on public transport, in ride shares and while waiting for both; in all indoor spaces other than your own home, including hospitality businesses, unless you're eating and/or drinking; in schools; and outdoors if you can't remain 1.5 metres away from people who aren't part of your household.

Also, you will still need to always carry a mask with you.

People must carry a mask at all times and wear it indoors, or when you are unable to physically distance outside. Mask wearing remains mandatory on public transport, ride share and at schools for teachers, staff and high school students.

— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) August 27, 2021

"I have no doubt masks were critical in preventing more cases during the Indooroopilly cluster," said Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young, announcing that masks will be hanging around — and explaining that they'll need to do so "given there are very serious COVID-19 risks in other states."

Queensland currently has 30 active COVID-19 cases, with zero new locally acquired cases reported in the past 24 hours.

As always, the usual requests regarding social distancing, hygiene and getting tested if you're feeling even the slightest possible COVID-19 symptoms also still apply — as they have since March last year.

Queensland's COVID-19 restrictions will relax further from 4pm on Friday, August 27; however, wearing masks will remain part of the rules. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Queensland, head to the QLD COVID-19 hub and the Queensland Health website.