Stage three shutdown in the metropolitan cities Melbourne and Mitchell Shire has been going on for two weeks, but the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Victoria has not shown a decline.
Based on Victorian government data, about 80 percent of corona virus transmission in the metropolitan city of Melbourne and surrounding areas since last May occurred in the work environment.
The government continues to urge residents not to travel other than for four essential things and work from home whenever possible.
For residents who cannot work from home, the rules of wearing face masks or masks must be a priority.
Chief Minister Victoria Daniel Andrews said there were some situations where wearing face masks was not possible and asked for this rule to be interpreted with common sense.
The following are some guidelines relating to the rules for using face coverings adapted from the Victorian Government's Health and Human Services (DHHS) page.
What does it mean to wear face coverings?
If you live in the metropolitan city of Melbourne or Mitchell Shire, you must wear a face covering every time you leave the house, unless there are exceptions.
Face masks need to cover the nose and mouth, can be a mask or face shield. A mask is a recommended face mask.
Masks include paper or garment materials that are designed or made to be worn over the nose and mouth to protect the wearer. It doesn't have to be medical class and you can make it yourself.
If face masks are not available, other forms of masks can be used such as scarves or bandanas.
Face shield means any plastic or other transparent material designed or made to be worn like a visor, covering from the user's forehead under the chin area and wrapping the sides of the user's face, to provide user protection.
Why do I have to wear a face mask?
Wearing a face mask helps keep you and others safe.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads from close contact with a person with a virus in his system.
Face masks are very helpful for stopping droplets from spreading when someone is talking, laughing, coughing, or sneezing, including someone who has a corona virus (COVID-19) and is contagious, but feels healthy.
The best way to protect others against the corona virus is to stay at home when you feel unwell, maintain a distance of 1.5 meters, wash your hands frequently, and close coughing or sneezing to your elbows or other organs.
Face coverings add additional physical protective barriers to protect you and your loved ones.
When should I wear face covering?
Unless exceptions apply, if you live in the metropolitan city of Melbourne or Mitchell Shire, you must wear a face covering when leaving home for one of four reasons: shopping for food and supplies, recreation or sports, medical care and care, and studying or working - if you can't do it from home.
This includes traveling by public transportation, in a car with people outside your household.
If you live in the metropolitan city of Melbourne or Mitchell Shire and have to travel outside the area, for goods and services needed, medical care and care, or study or work, you must continue to wear face coverings.
Likewise, if you live outside the metropolitan city of Melbourne or Mitchell Shire and must travel within this area, for goods and services needed, medical care and care, or study or work, you must wear a face mask.
A valid reason or exception for not wearing face coverings
Face coverings are not required under the following conditions:
- Infants and children under the age of 12 years.
- Someone who is affected by relevant medical conditions - including problems with breathing, serious skin conditions on the face, disabilities or mental health conditions. This also includes people who communicate with people with hearing loss, where the ability to see the mouth is very important for communication.
- People who wear face masks will risk the health and safety of that person in relation to their work, as determined through OH&S guidelines.
- People whose profession requires clear mouth pronunciation or visibility. This includes teaching or live broadcast.
- Professional athletes when practicing or competing.
- When individuals do exercises or physical activities where they are out of breath or breathing heavily; Examples include jogging or running but not walking. You must bring a face mask and wear it when you have finished exercising.
- When directed by the police to remove the faceplate to ensure identity.
- When traveling by own vehicle or with other household members.
- When consuming food, drinks, drugs or when smoking / yawning.
- When undergoing dental care or other medical care as far as the procedure requires that no face covering can be worn.
- When entering or inside a financial institution, such as a bank.
- During an emergency.
You have to bring a face mask when leaving home for one of four reasons, even if you don't need to wear it while doing your current activities, for example you can take off your face mask to eat.
If you have a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a face mask at all times, you do not need to carry it.
Some QnA:
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews arrives to a press conference in Melbourne Source: AAP
Can I take off the face mask if I feel uncomfortable when working?
It is important for you to wear a face mask when working, but some people may need to take a break so as not to wear a face mask.
When you do this, make sure you are not near other people, and follow these recommendations when removing your face mask:
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Don't touch the front of your mask or face.
- Take off your mask carefully by grasping the ear straps or untying them. For masks with two ties, untie the bottom first, then the top.
- If your mask has a filter, remove and discard. Fold the mask and put it directly in the wash or in a disposable bag for washing. Disposable surgical masks must be disposed of responsibly.
- Clean your hands again. Rest is needed only for a short time.
Do I need to wear a face mask at work or my desk even though I am 1.5 meters away from others?
Yes, if you live in the metropolitan city of Melbourne or Mitchell Shire, you must wear a face mask when you leave home for one of four reasons, including work, unless there are exceptions.
If you work in a closed office by yourself, you don't have to wear a mask when you are on a desk.
If someone enters your room and when you leave, you need to wear a mask.
Do I need to wear face masks at home if I work from home that is considered my workplace?
If you work from home, you don't need to wear a face mask unless you care for someone at home who has contracted the corona virus.
As an employer company manager, do I need to ask my staff to wear face coverings?
Yes, you are asked to make sure your employees wear face masks if they work, unless there are exceptions.
Do residents of elderly care facilities and other group houses need to wear face masks at all times?
The requirements for wearing face masks apply when people are outside their home for one of four reasons.
This does not apply to nursing home residents when they are at the facility. However, that applies to staff and visitors in the facility and when an occupant leaves the facility for one of four reasons.
I work at the call center, do I need to wear a face mask when I talk to people on the phone?
Yes. Because the number of people working together close together at the call center, this workplace represents the risk of corona virus transmission.
Do construction workers have to wear face masks?
Yes. Construction workers must wear face masks unless they meet the exclusion criteria such as medical conditions or if wearing face masks creates risks for people related to their work, as determined through OH&S guidelines.
What about the baristas in my coffee shop?
Yes. In the metropolitan cities of Melbourne and Mitchell, baristas must wear face masks unless they meet the criteria for valid reasons such as medical conditions.
What about supermarket employees on duty at the cashier?
Yes. In the metropolitan cities Melbourne and Mitchell, supermarket employees must wear face masks unless they meet the criteria for valid reasons such as medical conditions.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others.
Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
News and information is available in 63 languages at
Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
News and information is available in 63 languages at
