Queensland is in the grips of a fourth COVID-19 wave, with hospitalisations more than doubling in the past week. 

Speaking in parliament this morning, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the announcement was based on advice from the Chief Health Officer.

The state government will raise the COVID-19 traffic light alert from green to amber today.

It comes as Queensland records a further 73 deaths and 21,761 new cases since the beginning of October.

Today reporter Andrea Crothers told 4BC Breakfast COVID-19 cases are expected to peak just before Christmas.

“The other thing that they’ve been a bit concerned about is in Queensland, our vaccination rates are lower than the rest of the country.”

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The new alert means it’s now recommended Queenslanders wear masks in healthcare settings, on public transport and in rideshares.

Masks are also encouraged at indoor settings where social distancing is not possible.

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