Yvette D’Ath comments on mask mandates, says third Covid wave to be worse

Queensland has dismissed suggestions of a return to mask mandates, as Australia drops vaccine requirements for international travellers.

Australia has axed more travel restrictions and authorities have shot down suggestions of reintroducing mask mandates, even as the nation reached the grim milestone of 10,000 Covid-19 deaths on Sunday.

In signs Australia is learning to live with the virus while gradually returning to normal, travellers will no longer need to reveal their vaccination ­status to enter or leave the country from midnight on Wednesday.

The surprise announcement came from health and home affairs ministers, following advice from the chief medical officer that the requirement was no longer needed.

State and federal health ministers also confirmed they had no advice that a return to mask mandates was needed.

Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said yesterday that there was no plan for mask mandates, despite predicting Covid-19 cases would continue to rise in the coming weeks, instead advising people to “make those ­decisions for themselves”.

Ms D’Ath said the third wave had not yet peaked and would likely be worse than the second wave due to the stronger B4 and B5 Omicron sub-variants.

Health Minister Yvette D'Ath

“So that means we’ve got extra strain on our system again,” Ms D’Ath said.

With more than 500 Queenslanders currently in need of hospital care, Ms D’Ath said a suspension of planned care at the state’s hospitals “could occur” when the wave reached its peak, and private hospital’s would be “called on” when ­additional beds are needed.

The scrapping of proof of vaccination for travellers has been heralded by the tourism industry as sending the right message and would stimulate travel to the country and Queensland.

Health Minister Mark Butler said unvaccinated Australians and some visa holders were already able to travel to and from Australia, but this was a further lifting of restrictions.

“The chief medical officer has advised it is no longer necessary for travellers to declare their vaccine status as part of our management of Covid,” he said.

Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said the changes would make travel easier for Australians while encouraging more tourism.

“This is great news for families coming home from school holidays, who now don’t need to use the (digital passenger declaration),” Ms O’Neil said.

“Removing these requirements will not only reduce delays in our airports, but will encourage more visitors and skilled workers to choose Australia as a destination.”

Masks will continue to be worn on inbound international flights.