Face Masks Will Be Mandatory in Greater Brisbane for the Next Three Days

While face masks were first mandated in Melbourne back in mid-July, the Queensland Government has only ever encouraged its citizens to cover up, rather than making face coverings compulsory. From 6pm tonight, Friday, January 8, however, that's all changing.

In a bid to contain the latest coronavirus outbreak, which currently only includes one hotel quarantine worker — but involves the new, more contagious UK strain of COVID-19 — the Queensland Government is mandating the wearing of masks across Greater Brisbane. That spans the Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton and Redlands local government areas, running from 6pm on Friday, January 8 until 6pm on Monday, January 11.

The move is being implemented in tandem with a three-day lockdown in the same areas, with Brisbanites required to don a mask everywhere in those areas for the three days other than if you're inside your own home.

"If you are leaving home, you are leaving your place of residence, from 6pm Friday to 6pm Monday, and you will living in those council areas — again, let me say them: Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton and Redlands – you must wear a mask," said Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk at her daily press conference today, Friday, January 8.

Children aged 12 years and under and people affected by a medical condition are exempt from the mask rule, and you're also allowed to temporarily remove your mask for eating and drinking, and if it's necessary for your job.

The Queensland Health website notes that "compliance measures will be in place" regarding masks, but how much folks will be fined for non-compliance isn't listed.

With a lockdown in effect during the same period, and the Greater Brisbane region returning to the rules in place during March's lockdown, that means you're only allowed to leave the house — wearing a mask, of course — for four reasons. So, you can only head out for work or education if you can't do that at home, for essential shopping, for exercise in your local area, and for health care or to provide support for a vulnerable person.

For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Queensland, head to the QLD COVID-19 hub and the Queensland Health website. More details about the lockdown, masks and associated restrictions can also be found on the Queensland Health website.