A number of chief health officers from states across the nation have reportedly been discussing the potential restoration of mask mandates.

In the month of June, 199 people died in Queensland as a result of being infected with the virus, up from 177 in May.

The deaths come as medical experts warn of a winter wave driven by two new, highly infectious variants, dubbed BA.4 and BA.5.

Chief Health Officer John Gerrard told Peter Fegan, filling in for Scott Emerson, a number of his counterparts from other states have flagged the idea of masks rules returning.

John Gerrard: “I can say that nationally, there is increasing pressure, there is a school of thought that we should be mandating masks again.”

Peter Fegan: “So you’ve been talking to other chief health officers in other states and you all agree you think masks mandates may return, or would be a good idea?”

John Gerrard: “I’m not going to say that. It’s being discussed.”

Press PLAY below to hear the exchange (full interview below)

Dr Gerrard said while he doesn’t necessarily support the return of restrictions, the upcoming wave has him concerned.

“The current predictions are this wave is going to get significantly worse in the coming weeks, I’m afraid,” he continued.

“The thing with this strain of virus is it’s evading immunity, whether it’s quite naturally or through vaccination.”

Dr Gerrard was at pains to highlight vaccines are still important for minimising the risk of severe and potentially deadly symptoms.

He noted there are currently around 600 people in Queensland’s public and private hospitals with the virus.

“The majority of people that are being admitted to hospital in Queensland are people over the age of 65 who are not up to date with their vaccinations.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview 

Image: Nine, Getty