From 11.59pm on 22 November, masks are no longer required outdoors when distancing can be maintained. Masks are still required indoors, on public transport and when you can't keep your distance outdoors.
All Victorians must wear a face mask indoors or when you can't distance outdoors, unless you have a lawful reason for not doing so.
A face mask needs to be worn covering both your nose and mouth.
A face mask with three layers is the option recommended by the Chief Health Officer, as it provides the best protection for you and others.
Wearing a face mask helps keep you and others safe. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is spread from close contact with a person with coronavirus (COVID-19). Face masks help stop droplets spreading when someone speaks, laughs, coughs, or sneezes, including someone who has coronavirus (COVID-19) but feels well.
The best way to protect other people against coronavirus (COVID-19) is keeping 1.5 metres apart, wash your hands often, and cough or sneeze into your elbow or tissue. Face coverings add an additional protective physical barrier to protect you and your loved ones.
A face mask is not required in some circumstances including:
You must carry a face mask with you when leaving home, even if you don’t need to wear it while undertaking your current activity. For example, you can take your face mask off to eat or while you are running, but you must carry it with you and put it back on when you finish.
People with lawful exemptions for not wearing a face mask still need to keep 1.5 metres apart from others, washing or sanitising hands frequently and getting tested if unwell (even with mild symptoms). Find out more about staying safe.
The Victorian Government is providing free reusable face masks via council services and community agencies to:
People who are eligible will be able to get a free mask from Whittlesea Community Connections (WCC).
To find out when they are available and if you’re eligible, call WCC on 9401 6666.
For more information visit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/reusable-face-masks-covid-19
Use DHHS's guide to make a cloth mask (PDF) that covers your nose and mouth and is made of washable fabric.
Tegar, Nancy and Amy from The Social Studio have produced a video to show the easy steps to make one yourself.