Unmasked shoppers removed by security at Toowoomba centre

Several people were seen to be escorted out of the centre by security after they declined to wear a face mask multiple times.

Shoppers are now required to wear masks inside shopping centres, supermarkets, retail outlets and shops across Queensland. Picture: John Gass

Members of the public who refuse to wear a mask are at risk of being escorted off the premises of a Toowoomba shopping centre.

Grand Central Shopping Centre is following the directive of the Queensland Government and is enforcing the new mandate measures on its premises, including the requirement to wear a face mask onsite. 

On the weekend security guards could be seen escorting several people out of the shopping centre, after they refused to wear a face mask despite repeated requests.

One unmasked family, a mother, father and their children, were approached by a security guard, who asked them to put a face mask on, but they declined several times before being escorted out of the building.

Centre manager Claire Torkington said anyone visiting or working at the shopping centre was required to wear a face mask until further notice.

“To help our community adhere to these new measures, we have rolled out a signage package reminding customers not to enter the centre without a face mask, unless an exemption applies,” Ms Torkington said.

“This will be further bolstered by our security team and the support of local police in monitoring our community’s adherence to this directive.

“We ask that our community remains respectful to others as reasons for not wearing a mask are not always obvious.

“Customers without a face mask can purchase one at many retailers in the centre.”

Ms Torkington said the health and wellbeing of the community remained the centre’s top priority and the range of measures in place were designed to help keep everyone safe.

“These measures include heightened cleaning procedures, a centre-wide signage campaign that reminds our community how to keep themselves and others safe, the positioning of permanent hand sanitiser stations throughout the centre and close work with our retail partners.”

“We are closely monitoring updates from the relevant health and governing authorities in relation to COVID-19 and are prepared to respond accordingly as the situation develops, keeping our community informed as necessary … we thank our community for their co-operation and patience during this time.”

Ms Torkington said the health and wellbeing of the community remained the centre’s top priority and the range of measures in place were designed to help keep everyone safe.

Mask exemptions include specific medical conditions, when eating and drinking and children under the age of 12.