Queenslanders have been told a complex mix of factors will determine if the state opens up in time for Christmas.
Deputy Premier Steven Miles says its too soon to provide any clarity on whether the state's borders will reopen in time for the holidays.
"When it comes to the border, well that will depend on the number of cases here and in NSW, as well as the vaccination rate here and in NSW, and the restrictions in place in NSW before we determine those here," he told reporters on Friday.
"Let's not forget most of NSW is in lockdown so the idea that our border is the problem is pretty theoretical when all the people who might want to cross the border should not be leaving their homes under their own government's directions."
When asked if Queenslanders should be planning for Christmas at home, he said that was still a few months away.
His comments came after official figures showed there are more than 3100 people waiting on applications for exemptions to enter Queensland.
The same figures indicate the state government's exemptions unit isn't keeping up with the volume of work it's responsible for.
The unit processed 302 applications in the 24 hours to 7am on Thursday but in the same time period, 235 new applications were lodged.
Queensland recorded no new cases of COVID-19 on Friday. In more good news, masks are no longer mandatory in public places as long as people are seated.
That means students and workers can now remove masks when they are sitting at their desks. It also means anyone heading to the upcoming big weekend of football won't have to wear masks while they are in their seats.
But people must put them back on when they are standing and moving around in public environments including retail stores, schools, sporting venues, cafes and bars.
Mr Miles said Queensland was waiting on revised modelling being developed for federal cabinet for a clearer idea about the risks of reopening at various rates of vaccination.
"Let's not forget that even the first version of the modelling still only said that at 80 per cent lockdowns would be more rare and regionally targeted," he said.
"Now, we've been at that stage all year, pretty much. We've only had short lockdowns that were regionally targeted.
"That's what the Doherty research said should happen at 80 per cent. We're already following, very closely, the national plan. Once we see that new modelling we'll be able to outline more about what will happen ..."
He said Queenslanders had been very clear in telling him "that Delta is the gift Queensland does not want from Scott Morrison".
Meanwhile, the state government's vaccination hubs will now offer walk-in shots on an ongoing basis.
"Effectively every weekend becomes like a super Pfizer weekend," Mr Miles said. "No appointments necessary, walk in and get vaccinated."
Nearly two thirds of eligible Queenslanders, 62.1 per cent, have now had one dose of a vaccine, and 43.3 per cent are fully vaccinated.
Australian Associated Press
