Queensland has reported a record daily total of 186 new COVID-19 cases, with tighter mask restrictions on the way for cinemas and hospitality venues.
Speaking before a National Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said workers and patrons at theatres and cinemas will from 5am on Thursday be required to wear masks.
In hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants masks will only need to be worn by staff.
Masks are already mandated in supermarkets and shops as well as public transport and rideshares.
The premier vowed Queensland would stay open despite the rapid increase in Omicron cases.
"We want to keep our restaurants and our cafes and everything operating over Christmas and New Year," she said.
The new rules come as the state expects to hit the 90 per cent threshold for first-dose vaccinations on Wednesday.
"We are seeing preliminary advice that the vaccines appear to be working and they are protecting Queenslanders from getting seriously sick," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"Now is the time to go and get vaccinated and for those Queenslanders who haven't had their booster shot (to) please go and get their booster shot when the time arrives because we know the booster is an added layer of protection."
There is also the prospect that testing demands to enter Queensland will change in response to ballooning waiting times interstate as people try to abide by strict entry regulations.
Currently, those coming from interstate hotspots must get a test no more than 72 hours before arriving in Queensland, but the window is proving to be a challenge as waiting times for results blow out.
Ms Palaszczuk has spoken with the NSW premier about the use of rapid antigen tests as well as the more accurate PCR tests, but says changes will not come before the new year.
In a post-National Cabinet briefing, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the travel testing restrictions were placing the heath system under greater pressure.
"We've all seen the terrible queues and the long waits people have had," Mr Morrison said.
"Some 20 to 25 per cent - one in five, one in four - people waiting in those queues are not symptomatic.
"They're not a close contact, they're not even a casual contact, they just want to travel to another state.
"This is putting unnecessary pressure on the testing system and it is redirecting resources away from where there is a better use of in particular in re-establishing the vaccine hubs run by the states and territories."
Mr Morrison said PCR tests should be used for close contacts and the symptomatic, rather than people wanting to "get on a plane".
Queensland's daily cases topped triple figures for the first time on Wednesday, as Chief Health Officer John Gerrard warned infection rates would continue to rise.
"This is a substantial increase from yesterday and not surprising because we have a very contagious virus in Omicron which has become the dominant virus here in Queensland," Dr Gerrard said.
"This virus is spreading rapidly through the community. We know that it's happening around the world so we're certainly not unique."
Queensland relaxed quarantine requirements for double vaccinated close contacts of COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, halving the isolation period from 14 days to a week.
The state on Wednesday hit 90.1 per cent of people having received one dose of a vaccine, according to federal government data.
At least 85.3 per cent of eligible residents aged over 16 are now fully vaccinated with modelling suggesting Queensland will hit 90 per cent double-dosed in early-to-mid January.
Australian Associated Press
