Masks to no longer be required on public transport in Victoria

Commuters will no longer be forced to wear masks on public transport, with the controversial Covid rule to be lifted this week.

Victoria has scrapped its masks on public transport rule. Picture: David Crosling

Masks will no longer be required on public transport in Victoria from Thursday night.

The Health Minister on Wednesday announced mask mandates will be scrapped from 11.59pm on Thursday.

Victorians will not have to mask up when they board a train, tram or bus, and mask wearing will no longer be enforced in taxis or rideshare services.

The decision comes after Queensland, NSW and South Australia moved to abolish the rule, and brings Victoria in line with the rest of the country.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said this was a sensible next step for Victoria.

“These sensible changes provide consistency for the community on mask wearing requirements and I thank the chief health officer for his advice on this matter,” Minister Thomas said.

Face masks will become optional for Victorian commuters from 11.59pm on Thursday. Picture: Ian Currie

“As we move to living with COVID, it’s important we ensure enduring behaviour change in the community – and that means giving people the choice to wear masks to protect themselves and those around them.”

Masks will continue to be strongly recommended in situations where people can’t physically distance and for people who have any COVID symptoms.

Masks are still required in high risk settings such as hospitals and care facilities.

Originally published as Masks to no longer be required on public transport in Victoria