The Queensland Government has switched its COVID-19 traffic light advisory system from green to amber – which means the wearing of masks is again advised in specific situations.
The amber advisory means “there are moderate rates of community transmission and Queensland is coming off a wave or may be entering a new wave”.
READ: Sunshine Coast health system prepared for more COVID-19 cases.
The upgraded advisory level follows reports this week that active COVID cases in Queensland had risen by 58 per cent over the past week.
There is also reportedly an 85 per cent increase in aged care residents with the virus.
“Queensland is entering a new wave so our COVID-19 traffic light system will switch from green to amber … on advice from the Chief Health Officer,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said on Twitter on Thursday.
Queensland Health advises that when the traffic light advisory is amber, it is recommended that people where a mask:
- in healthcare settings,
- indoors, if you can’t socially distance,
- on public transport,
- if you are older or medically at risk,
- if you’re around people who are vulnerable to COVID-19,
- if required by a venue or household.
“It is recommended that we wear masks in healthcare settings, on public transport and rideshares, indoors where you cannot socially distance, if you’re older or at risk, and if you are around a vulnerable person,” the Premier also said.
Queensland Health also reminds people of general measures that should be observed:
- You can wear a mask at any time if you choose to.
- You should always stay home if you’re sick, maintain good hygiene and keep up to date with your vaccinations.
- Find out about the different traffic light levels and how they can help you make informed decisions to enhance your personal safety.
People who are older, or have medical conditions, can be more vulnerable to serious illness if they get COVID-19.
The advice also includes to take a rapid antigen test (RAT) if you get COVID-19 symptoms – or every two days if someone in your household tests positive to COVID-19.
If you get COVID-19:
- register your RAT result
- stay home until you’re well again
- wear a mask for 7 days after you test positive
- avoid visiting hospitals, aged care, or disability care for 7 days after you test unless you are receiving care
- ask household members to closely monitor symptoms.
Queensland Health advises that you should always stay home if you’re sick, maintain good hygiene and keep up to date with your vaccinations.
For more information, visit the Queensland Health website, traffic light system page
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