Victorian government rejects chief health officer’s mask mandate recommendation

The Victorian government has rejected a key recommendation on wearing masks to protect against Covid-19. Here’s why.

The Victorian government has been accused of going against health advice for political reasons after rejecting a recommendation from the state’s chief health officer to mandate masks in certain settings.

The Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas unveiled a range of new pandemic orders on Tuesday, with another wave of Covid sweeping through and the state’s hospital numbers continuing to climb.

But she only “strongly recommended” that masks be worn indoors and in crowded settings despite revealing acting chief health officer Ben Cowie had advised mandates should be reintroduced in some settings.

Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas rejected advice to mandate masks in some settings. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Geraghty.

“The chief health officer has provided his advice and I have accepted his advice, except that I have chosen not to extend mandates for mask wearing in some of the settings that were recommended to me,” Ms Thomas said on Tuesday.

“The advice from the chief health officer was to mandate mask wearing in early childhood and school settings, and indeed in retail and in some hospitality settings for workers in those areas.

“I made a decision based on the advice that I had received that further mandating masks was not the most effective way to get the message out about the importance of mask wearing.

“We need to empower Victorians to make their own decisions.”

But new Victorian Nationals deputy leader Emma Kealy said the decision went against the government's previous stance of following health advice and was motivated by politics during a state election year.

“For the past two years, all we‘ve heard is that this government is listening to the health advice and now with an election looming, they’re making decisions informed by political will,” she said.

“We have a government that have got us into a chaotic mess in Victoria with their health care system crisis and with people not able to get their health care support when they need it.”

Victorian Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy says the decision goes against the government’s previous stance of following health advice and is motivated by politics during a state election year. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Victorian Liberals leader Matthew Guy echoed similar sentiments, saying it was “all about the politics” for Labor.

“Daniel Andrews’ latest health orders confirm what Victorians have known all along – for Labor, it’s always been about politics,” he said in a release.

“For two and a half years, we were told every health measure, every curfew, travel limit, school, business and playground closure was based on health advice.

“Now finally, the Health Minister has been forced to come clean and admit she has rejected advice from the acting chief health officer, because for Labor, it’s all about politics.”

But while Mr Guy questioned the government’s reasons for its decision, he was supportive of the fact that mask mandates would not be introduced.

“I’m glad the government aren’t introducing mask mandates; that’s one piece of good news,” he said.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Paul Guerra also welcomed the decision, calling it a “common sense” approach.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce chief executive Paul Guerra welcomed the government’s decision. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

“The Victorian Chamber welcomes the approach of recommendations and not mandates; this puts the decision making back on the individual and businesses,” he said.

“We have advocated that mandates should be avoided. This is a commonsense approach which enables people to make their own decisions to protect their health, the health of their clients and their family and friends.

“We would also encourage our members to support their teams to get their third or fourth Covid-19 vaccination, such as time off to attend appointments.”

Masks are still mandatory on public transport, in rideshare vehicles and in high-risk settings.

Victorian acting chief health officer Ben Cowie recommended that masks should be mandated in certain education, hospitality and retail settings. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Victoria’s Covid hospitalisation numbers have grown by more than 50 per cent over the last two weeks, with 737 people in the state’s hospitals as of Tuesday with the virus.

To help counter this issue, the government announced a “significant new investment” for a public campaign.

The Stay Well in Winter campaign will run on television, radio, and outdoor and digital channels to educate the community about the benefits of getting vaccinated, wearing a mask and maximising ventilation indoors.

Another round of the Small Business Ventilation Grant Program was also announced to help businesses invest in equipment that will keep their workers and customers safe in indoor settings.

These announcements were accompanied by changes to the state’s immunity and isolation rules.

Victoria’s Covid hospitalisation numbers have risen by more than 50 per cent in the last two weeks. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

The period when someone is considered a recently confirmed case, meaning they are exempt from testing and isolation and quarantine requirements, was reduced from 12 weeks to four weeks.

This change was in line with Australian Health Protection Principal Committee advice, with evidence suggesting that new Covid variants can evade immunity from prior infection.

Positive cases in seven-day isolation were given an additional reason to leave their home – to provide transport for a household member to obtain food if essential.

The infected person will need to remain in the car and wear a face covering at all times.

These changes will come into effect from 11:59m on Tuesday.

Ms Thomas also requested that employers consider working-from-home arrangements for their employees where “most appropriate”.

She encouraged Victorians to follow health advice during that state’s third Covid winter.

It was ‘strongly recommended’ that masks be worn indoors and in crowded settings. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

“This is our third Covid winter. We all wish that it would go away, but that is not happening. Victorians know what to do,” Ms Thomas said.

“As we’re seeing across the globe and around Australia, winter means more time inside where Covid and the flu can spread. It also means our nurses, ambos and doctors have never worked harder, and we can’t thank them enough.

“We are working with business and community leaders to ensure advice and information is provided to the wider community – to help all Victorians stay well this winter.

“Wearing a mask, getting up to date with your vaccinations and ensuring indoor areas are well ventilated are small but effective steps Victorians and businesses can take to manage their own Covid risk this winter.”

Originally published as Victorian government rejects chief health officer’s mask mandate recommendation