When and why Australia can axe indoor mask rules

One of Australia’s leading epidemiologists has revealed when we can dump indoor masks. Compare mask rules by state.

Stephen Drill

@steveheraldsun

5 min read

February 17, 2022 - 4:35PM

News Corp Australia Network

Coronavirus

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Australia can dump indoor masks as soon as next week as the Omicron wave subsides, following the lead of Denmark and several US states, public health experts say.

University of Melbourne epidemiologist Professor Tony Blakely has declared the time for indoor masks was almost over, with Covid-19 cases on a downward trend.

He said indoor mask rules could be dropped within “one or two weeks” as Covid-19 ran out of people to infect because of a combination of Australia’s high vaccination rates and the number of people who had recovered from the illness.

And business groups say the rules are flawed, with people allowed to sit in restaurants and cafes without masks while taking them off in a socially distanced office remains banned.

Prof Blakely said the need for masks always on indoors was receding.

“We have tried to flatten the curve to a table top mountain, you don’t want it to get as high as a volcano. When we are at the top and starting to come down again, particularly in New South Wales and Victoria we probably have at least 40 per cent of the population who have been infected by the virus,” he said.

“If you think of the virus like Pac Man, it runs out of susceptible people to gobble up. So that daily number of infections and hospitalisations come down. That’s the maths of it.

Epidemiologist Tony Blakely. Picture: Alex Coppel

“It seems likely that there will be a winter wave. To reduce the size of that winter wave, you can make a case for easing off restrictions now so that more fit and healthy people are infected before winter, to reduce the size of the winter wave.

“If we do this, and let Omicron wash through now, we still protect the elderly and the vulnerable as much as possible, letting Omicron wash through the younger and healthier population.”

Australia’s daily cases dropped to 19,779 on February 14, down from a peak of 153,698 recorded cases on January 13, according to data analysts at Worldometer.

More than 95 per cent of Australians over 12 are double vaccinated, while more than 50 per cent of those over 16 have had three jabs, Covidlive.com.au reports.

Denmark lifted all its Covid-19 restrictions this month, with nightclubs reopened and QR codes axed.

The home of Princess Mary has only 81.3 per cent of its 4.74 million residents fully vaccinated but still lifted restrictions, with epidemiologists there saying that the Omicron variant was less severe.

Masks have slowly been dropped around the world. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Sarah Matray

Britain’s rules were due to expire on March 24, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he will outline an exit plan when parliament returns next week.

New York has dropped its indoor mask mandate this month, and California drops its indoor mask rules on Wednesday, February 15.

Former deputy chief medical officer Nick Coatsworth said masks rules should be lifted in schools immediately because they offer “marginal benefit” among healthy children.

Andrew McKellar, chief executive of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said mask rules need to be reviewed as cases fall across the country.

“It’s important that we incentivise people to get back into the office,” he said.

“Additionally, we should move to a model whereby mask wearing rules in low risk environments should be a decision for that setting or business.”

Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Andrew McKellar. Picture: Supplied

Tim Piper, of the Australian Industry Group, said: “Government needs to lead and get public servants back into the office on a hybrid arrangement, a couple of days a week.

“Masks should remain on public transport but right now you can’t go into the office without a mask but we’re expecting 180,000 people on the first two nights of the AFL.

“I hope the elections – plural (state and federal) are not having an impact on decision making,” he said.

Luke Hilakari, secretary of the Victorian Trades Hall Council which represents workers across all sectors including nurses, urged caution.

“Every time we seem to be coming out of it a new variant comes along,” Mr Hilakari said.

MASK RULES EXPLAINED FOR EACH AUSSIE STATE

NSW

All people over the age of 12 must wear a face mask in the following areas:

In indoor areas, including while shopping or at a library

In indoor areas of common property of apartment buildings

At a public transport waiting area

While on public transport, including in taxis and rideshare services

If you are working at a hospitality venue and dealing directly with the public

On an aircraft when it’s flying above NSW and in the airport.

All staff and students in Year 7 and above, and all staff in K to 12.

VICTORIA

All people over the age of 8 must wear a face mask in the following areas:

On public transport, including taxis/rideshare services, in tourism vehicles and on commercial flights.

At an airport.

While attending an event that has 30,000 or more patrons present, unless you are seated outdoors at the event.

While visiting a hospital or care facility.

After being tested for Covid-19 and awaiting results, other than as part of surveillance testing.

If the person has Covid-19 or is a contact, and is leaving the premises in line with quarantine, isolation or testing requirements.

International passenger arrivals and international aircrew services workers who are in direct transit to their place of self-quarantine in Victoria and who leave their vehicle, or who are in self-quarantine and leave to undertake permitted essential services.