Victorian government denies mask rules will return despite soaring Covid-19 cases

The Victorian government has made a call on the future of mask rules in the state amid thousands of daily Covid-19 cases.

A Victorian Minister has confirmed the state has no plans to bring back mask mandates despite soaring Covid-19 cases.

Lily D’Ambrosio made the comments on Saturday morning after the state recorded more than 25,000 new infections in the past 72 hours.

“The current heath advice in Victoria has with us the right settings for our state,” she said.

“Conversations can happen around different states depending on their own circumstances.

“Heath is too important – we’re talking about life or death here.”

Premier Daniel Andrews imposed strict masks rules in 2020 and 2021. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Luis Enrique Ascui

Victoria had strict mask rules throughout 2020 and 2021, which included months of mandatory wear in both indoor and outdoor settings.

The renewed lax stance comes as Covid-related hospitalisations climbed to 472 on Saturday, with 15 infected people being treated in intensive care

Another 12 Victorians died with the virus in the past 24 hours, bringing the state’s total pandemic death toll to 3934.

Originally published as Victorian government denies mask rules will return despite soaring Covid-19 cases