Everything you need to know about Victoria’s mask rules

All Victorians must wear a mask when outside from midnight Sunday. Whether you live in Ararat or Yarrawonga, here is everything you need to know about wearing a mask at school, work, your favourite cafe and while driving.

DO I HAVE TO WEAR A MASK?

Yes. Everyone outside of their home must wear a mask or face covering.

HOW DO I PUT ON A MASK?

Wash or sanitise your hands before putting on and before removing a mask. While wearing, do not touch your mouth and, once you have removed it, wash or discard.

DO MY CHILDREN HAVE TO WEAR A MASK?

Anyone aged 12 years or older must wear a mask when leaving the house. Masks should also be a “consideration” for children aged between 2-12, but are not recommended for toddlers due to safety concerns.

WHEN WILL MASKS BECOME MANDATORY?

Masks will be mandatory across Victoria from 11.59pm Sunday August 2.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T WEAR ONE?

You face a $200 fine.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE EXEMPTIONS?

If you have a medical reason or a practical excuse, you may be exempt from wearing a mask. Premier Daniel Andrews said practical reasons included removing your face covering while at the bank or while running — but not walking. However, you must carry a face mask and put it on when you stop running.

DO I HAVE TO WEAR A MASK IF I HAVE ASTHMA?

No. People who have a medical condition, including problems with their breathing, do not have to wear face coverings.

DO PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY HAVE TO WEAR A FACE COVERING?

Yes, people with disability must wear a face covering unless it is unsuitable to do so for medical, physical, communication or other individual risk factors.

DO KIDS NEED TO WEAR MASKS TO SCHOOL?

Students at primary school or under the age of 12 do not have to wear a mask. Students aged 12 and over do. Teachers do not have to wear a mask while teaching but must wear them at all other times.

DO I HAVE TO WEAR A MASK AT WORK?

Yes, you must wear a mask if you are at work and there are multiple people onsite. This is regardless of whether you are able to be socially distant from your colleagues.

However, persons for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to that person’s health and safety related to their work, as determined through OH&S guidelines, may be exempt.

WILL EMPLOYERS BE FINED?

Victoria Police and WorkSafe inspectors will be carry out checks at high-risk workplaces. If an employer is found to be discouraging masks they face a $9913 fine.

DO I HAVE TO WEAR A MASK AT THE CAFE OR PUB?

Mr Andrews said that when patrons were seated and eating or drinking in regional Victoria, they would not need to wear a mask. If you are not seated, then you must have your mask on.

DO I HAVE TO WEAR A MASK WHILE DRIVING?

If you are driving in a car by yourself or with a member of your household, you do not need to wear a face mask but you should carry one with you for when you exit the vehicle. If you are in a car with other people for work or rideshare purposes then you must wear a mask.

DO I HAVE TO WEAR A MASK ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT?

Yes.

DO I STILL HAVE TO MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING?

Even when wearing a mask, you should maintain physical distancing of 1.5 metres from other people.

I DON’T HAVE A MASK. WHAT CAN I DO?

Masks do not have to be medical grade, but they must cover the mouth and nose, and be close fitting. If you don’t have a mask, you can use a scarf, bandana, home made masks or face shields. Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said that “even imperfectly made” masks made “a significant difference”.

WHERE CAN I BUY A MASK?

You can buy disposable masks at chemists or at Aldi and Bunnings stores. Cloth masks can be purchased online. Alternatively, there are instructions on the DHHS website and in the Herald Sun showing you how to make your own at home.

WHEN DOES THE MASK WEARING PUBLIC ORDER END?

There is currently no end to the order and Premier Daniel Andrews has warned we may be wearing masks for a long time.

HOW DOES A MASK HELP?

Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said masks do not completely stop the transmission of COVID-19. However, masks reduce the chance of transmission by up to 80 per cent. The more close-fitting the better protection a face covering offers.

MAKE YOUR OWN MASK