Masks off at 80 per cent

Masks will no longer be needed indoors, when 80 per cent of eligible Queenslanders have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Health Minister Yvette D’Ath have announced the next step in the state’s COVID-19 roadmap this morning.

With the milestone expected soon, Ms Palaszczuk says it will then be safe for schools, cafes, pubs, clubs, hairdressers and workplaces to go mask-free.

“This is another small step back towards life as normal,” she says.

“Queenslanders have done an incredible job all through the pandemic and this is their reward. The more of us who are vaccinated, the faster we return to life the way it used to be. That means life without the need to wear masks except at airports and on planes.”

Under federal rules, masks are mandatory in airports and aircraft.

They are also strongly recommended for public transport and places where people cannot socially distance anywhere across Queensland.

The rules take effect as soon as 80 per cent of eligible Queenslanders have had at least one dose of vaccine and apply across the state.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath says the 80 per cent milestone makes it one rule for everywhere.

“We have no community cases and therefore no need to wear masks in most settings,” Ms D’Ath says.

“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, Queensland was at 79.6 per cent ... tantalisingly close to the 80 per cent target.

The Premier says one good roll-up today could achieve 80 per cent by tomorrow.

She is encouraging everyone to continue to use the Check-In App to keep everyone safe and assist in contact tracing.