Melburnians Will No Longer Need to Wear Face Masks Outside If They Can Social Distance
The new rule comes into effect at 11.59pm on Thursday, June 10.
UPDATE, June 10, 2021: Before the lockdown ends, the Victorian Government has changed the mask rules that'll come into effect from 11.59pm on Thursday, June 10. Under this change, which stems from updated public health advice, masks will still be mandatory outdoors.
Face masks have been compulsory again in Melbourne, both indoors and out, for a few weeks now, with the mandate coming back into effect in late May in response to the city's latest COVID-19 outbreak. That requirement has remained in place during the city's two-week lockdown, in fact — but with stay-at-home conditions set to ease, mask rules are changing as well.
You'll still be covering up indoors, with masks remaining mandatory inside. From 11.59pm on Thursday, June 10, however, the rules are changing outdoors. So, you won't have to wear them outside if you can maintain a 1.5-metre distance from other people while you're getting some fresh air. If you can't, you'll need to keep masking up.
Obviously, you'll still always need to have a mask with you — even if you're heading out for a stroll and no one else seems to be about. You can expect to see more folks around, too, given that the city's five reasons to leave the house are being scrapped when lockdown ends.
While you're venturing out of the house for whatever reason you like — and possibly going mask-free if there's no one around you outside — you will still need to stick to a 25-kilometre radius. Yes, the bubble is expanding.
Other changes that are coming into effect include gathering outdoors with up to ten people, and being able to eat in at hospitality businesses again. You still can't have anyone over to your house, though.
If you're wondering where to grab a fitted mask, we've put together a rundown of local companies making and selling them.
For more information about the status of COVID-19 and the current restrictions, head over to the Department of Health and Human Services website.
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