Voices of Victoria: Should mask mandates return?

We’re in the middle of a new Covid wave, so should we mask up again? Some Victorians support the idea, but others have had enough.

People wearing masks in central Melbourne this month. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Victoria is in the middle of a new Covid wave, with a spike in cases across the state.

The state’s chief health officer Brett Sutton believes a “further wave” of Covid-19 has started as virus hospitalisations continue to grow, placing pressure on the state’s healthcare system.

For this week’s Voices of Victoria poll, we asked: “With the rising Covid cases in Victoria, should the mask mandate be brought back for everyone out in public?”

Check out the responses below.

Megan Saxon, Ballarat

Ballarat's Megan Saxon.

“I do. I’m actually a bus driver so even when there was a mandate, if it’s not being policed then there’s no point.

“Mandates are only useful if they’re enforced, but I’m wearing a mask because I’ve just been out of hospital.

“Even before I got sick when they said that masks no longer had to be worn on buses, I still wore one.

“I think people are basically selfish and don’t care about others. I’ve been very sick, so I can’t afford to get sick while my body’s recovering.”

Susan and Nigel Davies, CBD

Susan and Nigel Davies

Susan and Nigel Davies said they were happy to follow the rules, but didn’t believe masks were necessary outside.

“We would follow the rules (if a mask mandate) was introduced, but I don’t think outside in the fresh air they are needed,” Susan said.

The couple are fully vaccinated against Covid, and said they are “very careful” and do all they can to avoid catching the virus, using hand sanitiser and social distancing.

Roy Ellis, Westmeadows

Roy Ellis, a resident in Westmeadows. Picture: Adam Daunt

Roy Ellis is happy for the decision to don the mask to be left up to the person.

“I haven’t seen enough science from it, I think we’ve moved on from Covid (in that sense),” he said.

“The responsibility should be on the individual and if they want to that’s fine.”

Amy Black, Warrnambool 

Amy Black, Warrnambool CBD

Amy Black thinks masks should remain as a choice, but encourages people to wear them in a health care or medical environment.

“I think that the masks should remain optional,” she said,

“Anyone who feels the need can wear one.

“However, I don’t think they should become mandatory again, except for health care settings.”

Joe Santario, Bass Coast

“I think it should be mostly left up to the individual however, there are some high risk settings where I think it would be good to make them mandatory again, just so we are doing our best to protect those that need a bit of extra protection.”

“Like public transport, planes especially, places where people are crammed in really close together and definitely healthcare settings.”