QLD Mask Rules: Compulsory scrapping on public transport, taxis and ride-sharing services

Mask mandates are to be scrapped on public transport, taxis and ride-sharing services in Queensland.

Prime Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the decision on Twitter on Tuesday.

“As of midnight tonight, masks will no longer be required on public transport, ride-sharing services and taxis,” she said.

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However, masks are still required for the five days after the end of a COVID-19 isolation period, Palaszczuk added.

“Please continue to stay home if you have symptoms and test if necessary,” she said.

IIt comes just a day after both NSW and South Australia announced they too would end mask mandates.

The mask mandate will be officially scrapped in NSW on Wednesday 21 September while the mandate in SA was dropped on Tuesday.

Wearing a mask is still recommended by NSW Health when physical distancing is impossible “and in settings where there are vulnerable people and those at high risk of serious illness” but it is no longer enforced.

Health Secretary Brad Hazzard said masks still play an important role in reducing the risk of transmission.

“Wearing a mask in crowded areas is especially important for people with underlying health conditions or who are otherwise vulnerable to COVID infection,” Hazzard said.

“Wearing a mask in these environments not only protects those around you, but also reduces your risk of infection.”

Mask wearing remains mandatory in public hospitals, private healthcare facilities and residential aged care facilities.

Commuters in South Australia are also no longer required by law to wear masks on public transport after the state government announced it too will drop the mandate on Tuesday.

SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said his government was determined to ease restrictions as soon as it was safe to do so.

“We think this is another practical step forward,” Malinauskas said.

The move comes over a week after Western Australia scrapped its mask mandates on public transport.

– With AAP