Face mask rules Australia: Do you have to wear one?

The face mask issue in Australia has been confusing, complicated and contradictory during the COVID-19 pandemic, so where do we stand?

They’ve become the norm overseas and now it’s Australia’s turn.

While face masks are mandatory when you leave your home across Victoria, they’re also recommended in other states.

Aussies are being told they should wear them on public transport, while shopping or in any crowded, public places in general, particularly when social distancing is difficult.

It’s an issue that’s been confusing, complicated and contradictory during the COVID-19 pandemic, but as case numbers continue to rise in Melbourne and Sydney, more Australians are choosing to wear one just to be safe.

Here’s a basic guide on what to do:

WHAT ARE THE RULES IN VICTORIA?

Premier Daniel Andrews extended the requirement to wear face coverings to all Victorians, starting from today.

Face masks have been mandatory in Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire for a week.

There are a number of lawful excuses for not wearing a face covering, including if you have a medical condition, if you’re deaf or hard of hearing or when you’re in the car by yourself.

They have to be worn during exercise that doesn’t require being out of breath or puffing – so when you’re walking.

You must always carry your mask with you. For example, you can take your face covering off to eat or while you are running, but you must carry it and put it back on when you finish.

The Victorian Government has placed orders for reusable fabric masks for Victorian students and teachers.

For everyone else, here are some of the best reusable mask options to consider.

Flatmates Courtney Russ and Laura McCann wearing face masks in Melbourne. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

ARE THERE MASK RULES IN NSW?

Premier Gladys Berejiklian has introduced new mask recommendations – they should be worn when physical distancing is hard to maintain.

They are not mandatory but highly recommended, especially in areas where there has been community transmission.

A mask is not a substitute for physical distancing. They should be considered a “fourth line of defence” after staying home if unwell and getting tested, maintaining 1.5m social distancing and good hand hygiene.

Staff of hospitality and customer-facing venues such as cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs should also wear them.

WHAT ABOUT MASKS FOR THE REST OF THE COUNTRY?

While Victoria is the only state to make them mandatory so far, and people in NSW are only being asked to wear them, other states haven’t officially said anything.

The Australian Government’s advice is, “wearing a mask can help protect you and those around you if you are in an area with community transmission, and physical distancing is not possible, like on public transport”.

You don’t need to wear a face mask unless your doctor has told you to or you are caring for someone who might have COVID-19.

If circumstances change in your state or territory then the advice on masks may have to change.

RELATED: Aussies ‘let down’ by official advice on wearing masks

WHAT KIND OF MASK SHOULD I WEAR?

Surgical masks are made with a non-woven meltblown polypropylene layer and available in various levels of protection.

Cloth face masks work to create a barrier between your face and potential COVID-19 carrying particles.

Victoria has a guide on how to make one.

Fabrics made with more than one type of thread, for instance cotton-silk, cotton-chiffon, or cotton-flannel, may be good choices because they provide better filtration and are more comfortable to wear.

Any mask should fit securely around the face, specifically covering the nose and the mouth areas.

There are other types of face coverings and respirators such as P2 or N95 but these are not recommended for use in the community or outside of  healthcare or specific industries.

WHY CLOTH MASKS ARE A GOOD CHOICE

While surgical masks were once king, new evidence has shown cloth masks are just as effective at slowing the spread of coronavirus.

“Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus – particularly when used universally within a community setting,” Dr Robert Redfield, the director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.

TYPE OF FACE MASK YOU SHOULD AVOID

There are also no studies into the effectiveness of a scarf or bandana wrapped around the mouth and nose reducing infection risk, so experts recommend they should be avoided.

A bandana or scarf may provide some protection and prevent spread of infection from sick people.

But they should be the last resort, as it’s often difficult to get a good fit and the materials they’re made from tend to have a loose weave.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON’T WEAR A MASK

A video study showed the dramatic results of how far droplets can spread when you don’t wear a mask.

The study, conducted by a team of Aussie researchers from the University of NSW, found homemade face masks likely need at least two layers to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The researchers compared the effectiveness of single and double-layer cloth face coverings with a 3-ply surgical face mask at reducing droplet spread.

The footage captured showed that the three-ply surgical face mask was the most effective at reducing airborne droplet spread.

But even a single layer cloth face covering reduced the spread to some extent.

Brother and sister Hu and Hera Qiang. Picture: Nicole Cleary

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WASH MY MASK?

Cloth masks should ideally be washed after every use in a washing machine.

Hands should be washed or sanitised before putting your mask on.

Be really careful to not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when you’re taking off your mask, and you should wash your hands again immediately afterwards.

Wearing a cloth mask that hasn’t been washed risks contamination and may not be as effective at protecting you.

It should be dry before re-using it.

DO KIDS HAVE TO WEAR MASKS?

Infants and children under the age of 12 years aren’t required to wear a face mask.

Overseas in places like Oregon – the US state Victoria has been copying with regards to mask policy – children over five have to wear a mask and they are “strongly recommended” for children aged from two to five.

COMMON MASK MISTAKES

The Department of Health and Human Services in Victoria has warned not to insert holes or valves into your masks as this negates the effectiveness of the mask.

Washing and/or sanitising hands before putting the mask on or taking it off is also something that needs to be done.

When you take it on and off, don’t touch the front of the mask or your face. Carefully remove your mask by grasping the ear loops or untying the ties. For masks with a pair of ties, unfasten the bottom one first, then the top one.

Another big no, no is removing your mask to talk to people – even at the safe social distance of 1.5m. This essentially renders the act of wearing it ineffective.

WEARING FACE MASKS AT WORK

The Safe Work Australia website states that if an employer decided they wanted workers to wear face masks, they must provide them.

“You must also provide appropriate training and instruction on how to put on, wear, remove and dispose of the mask,” it reads.

“Fit testing is very important to ensure that the mask is effective. Information about using a mask is provided by the manufacturer.

“If a worker has been provided training and instruction about using a mask, they must comply with that training and those instructions.”

You can direct a worker to wear a face mask if you, in consultation with those workers, decide it necessary to minimise the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus.

HOW TO STORE YOUR MASK

Store your mask in a cool, dry place.

Fold the mask in half so the outside surfaces are touching each other and the mouth area remains protected.

Place it carefully into your clean storage area or bag.

Seal the bag, if you’re using a paper one; if using a plastic bag, leave it open.