Mask mandate ramped up as 2266 new Qld cases reported

Queensland has recorded 2266 new Covid cases in just 12 hours, as a new mask mandate kicks in from Sunday requiring locals to wear masks while indoors.

Health authorities will ramp up its mask mandate from Sunday as 2266 new Covid cases were recorded in the state.

From 1am Sunday, masks will be required to be worn indoors in all settings except in the family home and in workplaces where it is unsafe to wear one, chief health officer John Gerrard announced.

It will mean patrons in all hospitality venues, including pubs, clubs and cafes, will need to wear masks, except when seated.

Staff and students at schools along with childcare and other education facilities will also be required to wear a mask.

“People have been wanting this and expecting this,” Dr Gerrard said.

As of 7pm last night, Queensland recorded 2266 new cases of Covid-19 during a 12 hour period on New Year’s Eve as new testing requirements for interstate travellers come into effect.

Dr Gerrard said to date Queensland had been reporting Covid figures in a 24-hour period up until 7am but due to the current large numbers of cases he said it had become “increasingly difficult” to have accurate data using that cut off time.

“From today we are changing our cut off time to 7pm...to give the time for the statisticians and data collectors to make sure that what we are receiving is accurate.

“So the number you are seeing today is only for the 12 hour period from 7am yesterday until 7pm tonight.”

Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard. Picture: Tara Croser.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said there are now 16,125 active cases in Queensland.

Queensland’s fully-vaccinated rate has reached 86.6 per cent and many had received their third booster shot.

Dr Gerrard said state vaccination clinics had administered 9223 doses of vaccine and more than half of the doses of Covid were for booster doses which were “critical”.

Travellers are now able to enter the state with a negative result from a Rapid Antigen Test but there have been concerns the screening tool will be difficult to source.

As new Covid regulations kick in for people travelling to Queensland, fears are growing about a shortage of rapid tests as cases continue to skyrocket.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles is set to provide an update on the state’s Covid situation from 11am.

NSW this morning recorded a record 22,577 new cases of Covid-19, and five deaths, while 7442 new cases were reported in Victoria and tragically nine people died.

The figures come as travellers are now able to enter Queensland with a negative result from a rapid antigen test (RAT).

The Australian Pharmacy Guild, however, has stressed supplies of RATs will be limited in the coming weeks but said the state government will provide free RATs at testing facilities for those who are close contacts and need to be screened under a public health order.