In the health news now, and Australian states and territories are holding the line on optional mask use.
It comes after Queensland urged residents to wear face coverings as the state enters its fourth wave of COVID-19.
The Palaszczuk Government has raised the alert level under its pandemic response from amber to green, telling people to be alert but not alarmed.
Queensland’s first, Annastacia Palaszczuk. Credits: Matt Dennien
People are encouraged to voluntarily wear masks in healthcare facilities, indoors and on public transport. Residents are also asked to make sure their vaccinations are up to date.
Mask advice has not changed in NSW, and Premier Dominic Perrottet said authorities were looking to health experts to strike the right balance.
“We advise people when visiting aged care facilities to wear masks and in hospitals,” Perrottet told Sydney’s 2GB radio on Friday.
“Here in NSW, we’re open and free.”
Deputy First Lady Jacinta Allan also said there had been no change in health advice in the state, despite a 62% increase in cases over the past week.
But the government said masks remain a low-cost and highly effective tool to help reduce transmission.
“It’s a timely reminder,” Allen told reporters Friday.
“It doesn’t matter if you have a cold, the flu or COVID, it only makes sense to stay home if you’re sick.”
The Northern Territory is “strongly” encouraging, but no longer requiring, residents to get tested if they feel unwell. Face masks are still recommended indoors.
AAP