Mask mandates could return for Queenslanders as state reopens to Australia

Queensland's new Chief Health Officer says mask mandates could return should outbreaks occur as a result of interstate travel.

The state has this week revoked its hard border, allowing double vaccinated residents from states previously considered hotspots to enter Queensland.

Four new cases were recorded in Brisbane today, three having travelled from New South Wales.

One of the cases has been confirmed as the Omicron strain.

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"This is a pattern we have seen over the last two to three weeks of increasing incursions over from New South Wales," Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said.

"Thankfully, all have been in quarantine, as has a new case of Omicron, the infected traveller flying in from Kenya via Melbourne."

Dr Gerrard added the spike in COVID-19 cases in New South Wales is being monitored closely, as is the growing prevalence of the Omicron variant in the United Kingdom.

"If the experience of the UK is anything to judge by, we are certainly predicting that Omicron is likely to become the dominant strain worldwide in the coming weeks," Dr Gerrard said.

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New South Wales Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the state's increase in case numbers could be linked to the Omicron variant.

"We are of the belief that Omicron transmission is accounting for the increased case numbers," she said

"We've seen cases at Argyle nightclub. Of the 650 who attended the nightclub, 150 have tested positive."

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Dr Gerrard said if outbreaks were triggered in Queensland by a rise in infections, mask mandates could be reintroduced.

"If there is evidence of community transmission of the virus then mask mandates are likely to come back," Dr Gerrard said.

"Indoor mask mandates. It's probably a little too hot in Queensland for outdoor mandates."