Scarves, bandanas and face shields are no longer acceptable.
Late last month metropolitan Melbourne moved to the Second Step of the ‘COVID Normal’ roadmap with the easing of a raft of restrictions that virtually shut down Melbourne due to the deadly second wave. Alongside the announcement, Premier Daniel Andrews also announced a change to the policy surrounding face masks.
From September 28, scarves, bandanas and face shields were no longer considered acceptable face coverings in Victoria, and people were required to wear a fitted face mask that covers the nose and mouth when outside their homes. But the state government gave Victorians a two-week grace period in the case that they didn’t have a fitted mask available at the time.
That grace period if officially over.
As of yesterday, all Victorians must wear a fitted mask when leaving their home, which means the wearing of a scarf, bandana or face shield is now illegal. People are still able to wear a face mask that covers their forehead and sides of their face but it must be worn alongside a fitted mask.
It has been confirmed that a fitted snood, fitted buff or fitted gaiter is allowed, with the emphasis on fitted.
Anyone not wearing a mask when outside the home for a valid reason or with an acceptable exemption is subject to a $200 fine.
Those with a medical condition that affects their breathing or the skin on their face are exempt from wearing a face mask. If police ask you why you are not wearing a face mask, you need to provide this excuse – you do not need a medical certificate.
A person does not need to wear a face mask in the circumstance that a hearing-impaired person needs to see their face to help communicate. Children under the age of 12 do not need to wear a face mask.
For more information on face masks, visit the Department of Health and Human Services website.
