Your questions answered about the NT’s mask mandate

An NT-wide indoor mask mandate has been implemented from 6pm December 31, 2021. Here’s everything you need to know.

From 6pm on December 31, 2021 the Northern Territory implemented an indoor mask mandate. Here’s your questions answered, according to the Chief Health Officer’s Directions no. 142.

When do I need to wear a mask?

You must wear a mask inside any premises, vehicle or vessel and when you cannot maintain a 1.5m distance from others. You do not need to wear a mask at the outdoor sections of venues, such as in beer gardens.

The mandate applies to the entire Northern Territory.

Who doesn’t need to wear a mask?

– Children under the age of 12;

– Children attending primary school;

– People with a physical, mental health illness or condition, or a disability, that makes wearing a face mask unsuitable;

– A teacher, educator or childcare worker in a school or childcare facility who removes the mask to teach or for childcare activities.

You don’t need to wear a mask while:

– Exercising or swimming;

– At a gym where you can distance 1.5m;

– Eating or drinking;

– Inside your home or at another person’s residence;

– If asked to remove the mask to ascertain the wearer’s identity;

– If requested by a health practitioner to remove it for treatment;

– In an emergency;

– Communicating with a person who is hearing-impaired and visibility of the person’s mouth is essential;

– Inside a private vehicle or vessel, not being used for commercial purposes, or while alone in a commercial vehicle or vessel.

What happens if I’m caught not wearing a mask when I should be?

Police and authorised officers can request a person not wearing a face mask to state their reason for doing so.

If the person claims to have a physical or mental illness, or a disability that makes wearing a face mask unsuitable, they will be required to provide evidence to support it.

A person not compliant with the mandate could be fined.

When will the mandate end?

There is currently no end date.

Do you have more questions? Let us know and we’ll answer.