Masks will become mandatory for everyone aged 12 years and older in Greater Melbourne and Mitchell Shire from 11:59pm on Wednesday, 22 July 2020.
Masks must be worn when people leave their homes for one of the four permitted reasons:
- Study or work — if you cannot work from home
- Medical care and caregiving
- Shopping for essentials
- Daily exercise
People who live outside these areas but are visiting for one of the permitted reasons MUST also wear a mask.
There are some exemptions to the mandatory mask rule:
- People with a medical reason
- Children under 12 years of age, or 12-year-olds if they’re attending primary school
You are also exempt for the following reasons but MUST carry your mask at all times and wear them when you can:
- For professional reasons because it stops you doing your job, for example working in a call centre
- A practical reason like when you go for a run)
People in Regional Victoria are not required to wear a mask although it is being highly recommended that they do when outside their homes and unable to observe the 1.5m social distancing rule.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has said there will be a $200 fine for anyone caught not abiding by the mandatory mask order.
“We’re going to be wearing masks in Victoria and potentially in other parts of the country for a very long time,” Mr Andrews said.
Victoria’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has provided instructions on how to make masks and also how to fit them properly to ensure they work effectively.
