Queensland has increased its response to COVID-19 as the country braces against an emerging fourth wave, while other states and territories hold the line with existing recommendations.
The state moved from green to amber under its traffic-light pandemic response on Thursday.
“We strongly encourage as we move into this fourth wave to go get your vaccination now to ensure you have the most protection you possibly can,” Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said.
She advised Queenslanders to wear masks in health facilities, indoors and on public transport, noting it’s not mandatory.
The minister asked people who test positive to register those results “so we can get an idea of the number of active cases out there in the community”.
The bulk of new cases have been in northern Brisbane and on the Gold Coast, she said.
University of South Australia biostatistics chair Professor Adrian Esterman said the mix of waning immunity and few public health measures was driving the new wave.
The onus was on other states to follow Queensland’s lead and upgrade their health advice, he said.
“Many people have had their last dose of vaccine over six months ago and by now have comparatively little protection against symptomatic disease,” Prof Esterman said.
“The onus is now on the other states and territories to follow Queensland’s lead and upgrade their health advice.”
Mask advice has not shifted in NSW, with Premier Dominic Perrottet saying authorities are looking to health advice to get the balance right.
“We do advise people when you’re visiting aged care facilities to wear masks and in hospitals,” Mr Perrottet told Sydney radio 2GB on Friday.
“Here in NSW, we’re open and free.”
That same advice also applies in Victoria, where a government spokesperson reminded residents masks remain a cheap and effective tool that reduces transmission.
The Northern Territory will “strongly” encourage but no longer require residents to test if they feel unwell. Face masks are still recommended in indoor settings.
Meanwhile, a cruise ship carrying thousands of people has potentially hundreds of COVID-19 cases on board as it returns to Sydney.
The Majestic Princess is due back on Saturday, at the end of a 12-day voyage around New Zealand.
Under the three-tier classification for cruises, COVID-19 is deemed to be having a “moderate impact” to the vessel’s staffing and resources, with three to 10 per cent of people infected.
With 4600 passengers and crew, that equates to between 138 and 455 positive cases.
NSW Health said cruise operators agreed to implement set-out public health measures prior to the resumption of cruising earlier this year.
“Cruising is a higher risk activity and cases of COVID-19 are expected on board cruise lines,” a government spokesperson told AAP.
Princess Cruises told AAP there are strict and robust protocols in place.
“We continue to monitor closely some of the guests who tested positive to COVID-19 on board Majestic Princess,” a spokesperson said.
“These guests are being cared for in their staterooms by our medical and support staff.
The passengers who have not tested positive can still move freely around the ship and enjoy their holiday if they wear masks.
WEEKLY VIRUS DATA BY JURISDICTION:
NSW: 19,800 cases, 22 deaths
Victoria: 16,636 cases, 41 deaths
– AAP
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