Tasmanian shoppers will no longer need to wear masks in retail settings as COVID-19 restrictions ease across the state.

From 12.01 am on Saturday, only staff will need to wear face coverings in places like shops and supermarkets.

Mask rules will ease again from 5 pm on March 11. Face coverings will no longer be required in restaurants and cafes, offices, or at large outdoor events.

Hospitality staff will still need to wear masks while working.

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said while the mandates have been lifted, masks were still a good option.

“Masks do help minimise the spread of transmission,” Mr Gutwein said. “So if you want to continue to wear a mask, continue to wear it.”

Mr Gutwein said there would be further information next week on restrictions at pubs and nightclubs.

Masks are still mandated in high-risk settings like hospitals, aged care, and public transport.

The eased restrictions come as the state reported 937 new COVID-19 infections on Friday.

The daily figure is a drop from the 1117 infections recorded on Thursday, which was the first time the number had been four digits since January 19.

The state has 5432 active cases, an increase from the 5411 documented 24 hours earlier.

Fourteen people with the virus are in hospital, with 10 of those being treated for COVID-19.

Four patients are in intensive case, an increase of one.

Tasmania has recorded 25 virus deaths since the beginning of the pandemic, with 12 of those occurring since borders reopened on December 15.

– AAP