Bandannas, scarfs, face shields to be outlawed as public face coverings from Monday

The government’s crackdown on bandannas, scarfs and face shields being used as face coverings is only days away, with police due to step up enforcement of fines for those caught without a fitted mask, with few exceptions.

Using bandannas, scarfs and face shields in public will not be a permitted face covering from Monday.

Those wearing bandannas, scarfs and face shields as their only face covering from Monday will risk a $200 fine as Victoria Police step up enforcement.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the grace period, following changes to permitted face covering announced two weeks ago, was about to end and fitted face masks covering the nose and mouth needed to be worn across the state.

“All Victorians must wear a fitted face mask when they leave their home no matter where they live,” Mr Andrews said.

“As restrictions ease and movement increases the effectiveness of masks is even more important.

Face shields and bandannas will no longer be acceptable unless a mask is also worn under the new restrictions. Picture: NCA / NewsWire / Ian Currie

“We know from so much evidence that super spreading events can be avoided by people wearing masks.”

Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said the effectiveness of masks were proven.

“A fitted mask, if both people wear it, has between a 40 and 80 per cent reduction is transmission risk. Why would you not do that?

“People think ‘that this is my mate. I won’t catch coronavirus from someone I am familiar with. Or I won’t catch coronavirus from a family member.

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“These are the people who are transmitting to others; the people we are familiar with and our family members.”

Mr Sutton said a face mask with three layers was recommended because it provided the best protection.

Face mask are not required for infants and children under 12-year-old, and for those who have relevant medical conditions such as breathing problems, a serious condition of the face, a disability or a mental health condition. Other exemptions also exist.

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Originally published as Bandannas, scarfs, face shields to be outlawed as public face coverings from Monday