Queenslanders will be required to wear masks in certain settings across the state to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections.
Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said the mask-wearing requirements would apply to all of Queensland from 1am tomorrow, Saturday 18 December.
Ms D'Ath said the rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases infectious in the community meant it was time for Queenslanders to mask-up again.
"Masks wearing takes very little effort, but is a highly effective tool in our fight against COVID-19," Minister D'Ath said.
"We don't yet know enough about Omicron, and it's prudent to take sensible measures to slow the spread of this variant of the virus.
"We want to keep communities safe and this is a responsible and reasonable approach to achieve that, ahead of the festive season."
Ms D'Ath said individuals were encouraged to carry masks whenever they leave home.
"At this stage, there is no requirement to wear a mask outdoors unless a person chooses to," she said.
Masks will be required in the following settings:
- public transport, including taxis and rideshare
- indoor retail, such as shopping centres, supermarkets and retail shops
- vulnerable facilities, including hospitals, residential aged care facilities, disability care accommodation and correctional facilities.
Minister D'Ath said it was also strongly recommended that patrons wear masks at indoor hospitality venues, such as cafes, bars and restaurants, cinemas and theatres.
"What's more, even though this mandate doesn't formally come into effect until tomorrow morning, I would encourage you to get back into the habit of mask wearing straight away," she said.
Ms D'Ath said it was important for people to follow these requirements to ensure Queenslanders had the best possible break over Christmas.
"There's just over a week until Christmas, and I want people to be able to spend it with their loved ones," she said.
"We know that re-opening the border means COVID-19 will come into Queensland, but using other measures like mask wearing is one way we can avoid unnecessarily rapid spikes in cases.
"As ever, use your own judgement. If you can't social distance, put on your mask.
"And keep up the hand washing, check-in at these locations and please, get vaccinated and get your booster as soon as you are eligible."
