Mask restrictions will tighten in Queensland cinemas and hospitality venues as the state had a record number of cases, with 186 people testing positive — the highest of the pandemic.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said workers and patrons at theatres and cinemas will be required to wear masks from 5am on Thursday.
In hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants, masks will only need to be worn by workers.
Masks are already mandated in supermarkets and shops as well as public transport and rideshares.
Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said the rise in cases from the previous day’s 86 was “substantial” but expected.
He attributed the surge in cases to the highly infectious nature of Omicron as well as “lots of testing the last few days”.
Dr Gerrard said most people he had seen with the Omicron virus who were fully vaccinated had only experienced “trivial” symptoms.
“It appears the vaccines are working effectively,” he said.
“The more we learn, the more we are assured the vaccines are effective in limiting severe disease.
“We know vaccinated people can have very mild illness; they can be in the community and not know they have the virus.”
The premier vowed that Queensland would stay open despite the rapid increase in Omicron cases.
“We want to keep our restaurants and our cafes and everything operating over Christmas and New Year,” she said.
The new rules come as the state expects to hit the 90 per cent threshold for first dose vaccinations on Wednesday.
“We are seeing preliminary advice is that the vaccines appear to be working and they are protecting Queenslanders from getting seriously sick,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Now is the time to go and get vaccinated and for those Queenslanders who haven’t had their booster shot, please go and get their booster shot when the time arrives because we know the booster is an added layer of protection.”
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State and territory leaders are expected to discuss indoor mask requirements and advice about whether three jabs will be required for someone to be considered fully vaccinated.
There is also the prospect that testing demands to enter Queensland will change in response to ballooning waiting times interstate as people try to abide by strict entry restrictions.
Currently those coming from interstate hotspots must get a test no more than 72 hours before arriving in the state, but the window is proving to be a challenge as waiting times for results blow out.
“Unfortunately a lot of people have been turned away, and it’s becoming a big issue for people coming into the state,” police commissioner Katarina Carroll told Channel Nine’s Today Show on Wednesday.
“Further discussions will be had today about this issue.”
Ms Palaszczuk has spoken with the NSW Premier about the use of rapid antigen tests as well as the more accurate PCR tests, but says changes won’t come before the new year.
As daily cases top triple figures for the first time in Queensland, Chief Health Officer John Gerrard has warned the numbers will continue to rise.
“This is a substantial increase from yesterday and not surprising because we have a very contagious virus in Omicron which has become the dominant virus here in Queensland,” Dr Gerrard said.
“This virus is spreading rapidly through the community. We know that it’s happening around the world so we’re certainly not unique.”
Queensland relaxed quarantine requirements for double vaccinated close contacts of COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, halving the isolation period from 14 days to a week.
At least 83.55 per cent of eligible residents aged over 16 are now fully vaccinated.
