Queenslanders can take their masks off as state hits major vaccine milestone

Masks are off across Queensland after the state hit a long-awaited vaccination milestone on the same day a new mystery COVID-19 case was reported on the Gold Coast.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Wednesday confirmed 80 per cent of residents aged 16 and up had taken at least one dose of the vaccine, the last state to reach the target.

That means there's no longer a requirement to wear masks in schools, cafés, pubs, clubs, hairdressers and workplaces, but they remain mandatory in airports and strongly encouraged on public transport.

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Queensland recorded three new local cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, with two infectious in the community.

Ms Palaszczuk one case was detected on the Gold Coast and the source of his infection remained a mystery.

The Pacific Pines man had one dose of the vaccine and was potentially infectious in the community for up to six days.

He is in hospital and contact tracers are working to identify any exposure sites.

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"Three family members who are close contacts — and one of those is a health worker — those people have so far tested negative," deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Lynne McKinlay said.

The second case was detected in Warwick, about 140km west of the Gold Coast, and is a First Nations person who is unvaccinated.

Ms Palaszczuk said the resident attended an event in Moree, on the other side of the New South Wales border.

The case has potentially been infectious in the community for 10 days.

New contact tracing alerts have been issued for parts of Warwick and Upper Coomera, with residents of these areas urged to come forward for testing.

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The third case was detected in hotel quarantine. Authorities believe the person who flew in from Melbourne wasn't infectious on the plane and are not concerned about the case.

The announcement that masks would no longer be mandatory at 80 per cent first dose coverage was made yesterday, leading to an increase in vaccination.

Masks remain strongly recommended in taxis, ride-share vehicles and places were social distancing is difficult.

Health Minister Yvette D'Ath has credited mask wearing as one of the best defences against COVID-19 and cautioned residents will likely need them again in the future.