‘Everyone’s just over it’: Why commuters are ignoring mask mandate on public transport

Commuters explain why they’re ignoring mask mandates on public transport in the face of 41,000 cases and possible on-the-spot fines.

Complacency to adhere to mask mandates is spreading among Brisbane commuters despite tens of thousands of ongoing Covid-19 infections across Queensland.

As Queensland Health continues to record Covid numbers above 41,000, a significant portion of observed commuters across the city are opting to ignore the mask mandate that still applies to public transport, with some blaming restriction fatigue.

“Well I actually forgot but I’ve also had Covid and I’ve got three vaccines,” one commuter who wished to remain anonymous said.

“I’m a little less worried about it than I used to be.”

This same traveler believes that about half of Brisbane commuters aren’t wearing masks at the moment, despite the mandate.

“I reckon it’s 50-50.

“I don’t know if that many people have had Covid but I think everyone’s just over it.”

It comes after health experts predict the true number of Covid-19 infections could be “10 times” more than the official numbers show.

On the Queensland Government website, an overview of where members of the public need to wear masks is clearly outlined. Among the various places listed, part of the section mentions public transport.

“Required when on public transport or its platform/terminal, or when in or waiting for a taxi, rideshare vehicle or commercial shuttle,” the directive from the Queensland Government reads.

By not wearing a mask, commuters are risking significant fines which are being enforced by Queensland police.

Among the potential penalties that are in place, individuals may be given a $206 fine if they refuse to follow directions to wear a mask.

But, as some Brisbane commuters have commented on, quite a significant amount of public transport users are still not adhering to these regulations.

Face masks are no longer required in most settings. 😷

You still need one in healthcare settings, disability and aged care facilities, prisons, on planes and when riding public transport.

We also strongly recommend you wear one whenever you can't socially distance. pic.twitter.com/Q77DOAsTRX

— Queensland Health (@qldhealth) March 4, 2022

Another commuter, who also asked to remain anonymous, was wearing a mask on public transport when they were approached for a comment.

They said that they were wearing a mask because of the regulations that are in place, while others were deciding not to.

“Right now, they don’t really wear masks,” they said.

“Maybe they feel like after you’ve had it one time…because you experienced how you get Covid and the recovery, they’re really easy on the Covid (regulations).”

When asked if most people in Brisbane were wearing a mask on public transport, a third commuter simply responded with “no.”

“People are getting sick of it.

“(They’re choosing) not to worry.”

Posting on Twitter late last month, social media user Laurence Trim reminded others that masks were still mandatory.

The Queensland Police Service was approached for comment on the number of penalties issued to commuters for not complying with the mask mandate on public transport.

A reminder over the PA that face masks are still mandatory on public transport in SE Queensland. It’s 50-50 on this afternoon’s train. About the same this morning.

— Laurene Trim (@laurenetrim) March 29, 2022

Originally published as ‘Everyone’s just over it’: Why commuters are ignoring mask mandate on public transport