Queensland will scrap face mask mandates in most indoor settings and density limits at most venues as its COVID-19 outbreak fades next week.
The state recorded five COVID-19 new deaths and 5583 cases in the 24 hours to 6.30am on Tuesday.
There are 380 patients in hospital and another 30 in intensive care, with 11 people on ventilation.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says with the outbreak dissipating, a face mask mandate and density limits can be eased from 6pm on Friday March 4.
“Masks will no longer be required in most settings, you won’t need them at work or in school or at the shops, staff and patrons won’t be required to wear them at cafes, pubs and restaurants,” she told parliament on Tuesday.
“Mr Speaker smiles are back. We can put our masks away.”
She said masks will only be mandatory on public transport, airports, in hospitals, disability care, prisons and aged care in Queensland.
Density limits will also be scrapped for private homes, weddings and funerals and there will be no limited in food courts, hairdressers, gyms, private venues and universities.
A ban on school excursions, assemblies and interschool visits will also be ditched from 6pm on March 4.
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said people should continue carrying masks and wearing them in large social settings or where they can’t socially distance.
The government will also ditch its daily COVID-19 briefings next week and will publish numbers online, unless there’s an important announcement to make.
The priority has shifted to vaccinating children aged five to 11, continuing the booster roll out and improving vaccination coverage in specific areas.
“You’re more likely to suffer serious illness or death without vaccination. It’s not too late to get vaccinated,” Ms D’Ath said.
She said four million eligible Queenslanders have had two doses of a vaccine since the state’s rollout began 12 months ago.
The latest figures show that 92.54 per cent of eligible Queenslanders have had one vaccine dose, while 90.61 per cent have had two.
“For the millions of Queenslanders who have come forward already to get vaccinated over the past 12 months we say thank you, thank you for making it a priority for yourself, your family, your community in Queensland,” Ms D’Ath added.
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