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To health news now, and Australian states and territories are holding the line on optional mask-wearing.

It comes after Queensland urged residents to don face coverings as the state enters its fourth COVID-19 wave.

The Palaszczuk government has raised the alert level under its traffic-light pandemic response to amber from green, telling people to be alert but not alarmed.

People are being advised to voluntarily wear masks in health facilities, indoors and on public transport. Residents are also being told to make sure their vaccinations are up-to-date.

Mask advice has not shifted in NSW, with Premier Dominic Perrottet saying authorities are looking to health experts to get the balance right.

“We do advise people when you’re visiting aged care facilities to wear masks and in hospitals,” Perrottet told Sydney radio 2GB on Friday.

“Here in NSW, we’re open and free.”

Victorian Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan also said there has been no change to health advice in the state, despite a 62 per cent uptick in cases over the past week.

But the government did say face masks remain a low-cost and highly effective tool to help reduce transmission.

“It is a timely reminder,” Allen told reporters on Friday.

“Doesn’t matter whether you’ve got the cold, the flu or COVID, it just makes sense to stay home if you’re sick.”

The Northern Territory is “strongly” encouraging, but no longer requiring, residents to get tested if they feel unwell. Face masks are still recommended in indoor settings.

AAP