From 5pm on 31 December 2020 you must wear a fitted face mask when you are in public indoor spaces unless you have a lawful reason not to. This includes when visiting places such as:
- shopping centres, supermarkets, retail outlets and indoor markets
- hospitals and aged care facilities
- restaurants and cafes, except when you are eating or drinking
- churches and places of worship
- libraries
- indoor recreational facilities and gyms
- indoor workplaces.
- while taking public transport, in taxis or using ride sharing
You must wear a fitted face mask when you are in an airport terminal. It is strongly recommended you wear a face mask while on your flight.
You must continue to carry a face mask with you at all times when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason not to. This is in case you require your face mask, for example, if you aren’t able to keep 1.5 metres distance from other people or enter a public indoor space.
If you have coronavirus (COVID-19) or are a close contact and you need to leave home (or the place where you are undertaking isolation or quarantine) for a permitted reason (for example in a medical emergency) then you must wear a fitted face mask.
If you have any symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) you must wear a fitted face mask when you leave home (for example to get tested).If you are awaiting test results for coronavirus (COVID-19) and you had the test done because you have symptoms, have been otherwise required to quarantine or self-isolate, or are currently experiencing symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) but you need to leave home (for example to receive urgent medical care) then you must wear a fitted face mask.
It is strongly recommended that you wear a face mask outdoors when you are unable to stay more than 1.5 metres from other people, such as transport stops, busy walkways and thoroughfares.
Your face mask must be a fitted covering that covers your nose and mouth. Face shields, bandanas, scarves and neck gaiters are no longer considered sufficient face protection.
For more information on masks, refer to the DHHS website.