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Queensland's new mask rule as 2266 Covid cases seen in 12 hours

Queensland will introduce a new mask rule as the state recorded 2266 new Covid cases in a 12-hour period.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles announced masks would need to be worn in "virtually all indoor spaces except when eating and drinking or when undertaking strenuous activity" from 1am (local time) on Sunday to "slow the growing rate of new cases".

"They are already required in supermarkets and shops, public transport and ride share, and airports and on planes, and at cinemas and theatres," Mr Miles said.

Queensland's Deputy Premier Steven Miles pictured with Chief Health Officer John Gerrard.
Deputy Premier Steven Miles gives a Queensland Covid update with Chief Health Officer John Gerrard. Source: ABC News/YouTube

"From 1am Sunday... they will also be required in workplaces unless it's unsafe to do so; pubs, clubs and cafes except when seated; indoor stadiums and sport arenas; libraries; hairdressers and nail salons; and waiting rooms at medical centres."

Mr Miles also flagged Queensland would be changing its reporting period to the 24 hours up to 7pm the previous night as opposed to 7am on the same day as announcing case numbers.

In order to transition to this new reporting period, the cut-off time for Saturday's infections was 7pm on Friday, which means only 12 hours of data was released.

This Sunday's numbers will then reflect the number of cases from 7pm on Friday to 7pm on Saturday.

Queensland's Covid cases still rising

He said Saturday's numbers, despite only being those recorded in a 12-hour period, reflected the "continuing upward trend" of Queensland's Covid outbreak.

"For comparison the evening before we had 1613 cases for that 12 hour period, the evening before that 1178, so even though the numbers we are reporting today is lower than what we are used to, it does represent a continuing upward trend," he said.

Chief Health Officer John Gerrard said the reporting period changed to ensure more accurate data would be released.

Mr Miles said there had been 34,938 tests in the last 24 hours with 16,125 total cases in the state and 13,958 active.

Only one patient - a man in his 50s - is in intensive care but is improving, according to Dr Gerrard.

Overall 90.6 per cent of eligible Queenslanders have had one dose and 86.6 per cent are double jabbed.

with AAP

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