Covid face masks could now return to Australia after spike in new infections

Griffin added that while face covering should be worn, he didn’t think it was time for mask mandates.

It comes as 6,550 cases were reported across the country on October 24.

Some health professionals in Australia have now declared an eighth Covid wave.

Earlier this week, two Adelaide hospitals made masks mandatory in clinical areas.

In Queensland, there are 245 people hospitalised with the virus.

Doctors in Queensland are now urging the state government to mandate masks in hospitals and on public transport.

Dr Griffin said: “I think it’s clear we don’t need rules and mandates around masks at the moment.

"But we should really be encouraging and facilitating mask-wearing as much as possible, particularly in high-risk settings."

He added that people were “not doing a good enough job” to stop the spread of infection.

He then urged them to stay on top of the basics, including keeping up to date with booster vaccinations and staying at home when sick.

Australian Medical Association Queensland president Maria Boulton criticised the state’s health body on Wednesday for not being transparent with the public about the latest Covid spike.

She said: "The association would like to see the chief health officer addressing the community regularly and guiding them on how we can avoid another disastrous Christmas."

Queensland doctors are calling on the chief health officer to encourage masks in medical facilities, on public transport and in crowded venues in the lead up to the holiday period.

Minister for aged care Anika Wells said: "If you are going to visit Nan or Grandpa this Christmas, be protected. We want people to be vigilant."