All Top End Uber, taxi, bus drivers and passengers must wear masks during Covid-19 lockdown

Authorities have clarified whether face masks are required for drivers and passengers in Ubers, taxis and buses as confusion reigns over what Territorians can and can’t do during lockdown.

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ALL bus, taxi and Uber drivers and their passengers must wear face masks if they are operating within the Top End’s Covid-19 lockdown areas.

NT Government authorities confirmed masks must be worn by all parties during the lockdown period. Taxi and ride-share drivers may refuse a fair if a person refuses to wear a mask.

Private companies can also decide whether to implement further personal protection equipment measures, and most are requesting passengers to sit in the back seat where possible.

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According to the Chief Health Officer’s Directions (No. 13) 2021, a person must wear a mask when leaving their home.

The following not required to wear a mask are:

– If the person is a child under 12-years-old;

– If the person has a physical or mental health illness or condition, or disability, which makes wearing a face mask unsuitable;

– If the person is communicating with a person who is hearing-impaired and visibility of the mouth is essential;

– If the person is asked to remove the face mask to ascertain identity;

– In an emergency;

– If the person is in a private vehicle.

For the purposes of ensuring compliance with Covid-19 directions, police or authorised officers may:

– Request a person who is not wearing a face mask as required by those Directions to state the person’s reason for not doing so; and

– If the person claims to have a physical or mental health illness or condition, or disability, that makes wearing a face mask unsuitable, require the person to produce evidence to support that claim.

Territorians can report non-compliance to NT Police on 131 444.