Overview
Victorians, if you've been feeling a little bit of déjà vu these past couple of weeks, that's perfectly understandable. The state's latest lockdown is set to end at 11.59pm tonight, Tuesday, July 27, however — and, when it does, a heap of new restrictions will apply across the state. One rule that isn't changing, though, is the requirement to mask up when you're not in your own home.
As Premier Daniel Andrews announced today, face masks will remain compulsory both indoors and outdoors for at least the next two weeks, even when other restrictions ease at 11.59pm this evening. Mask rules have shifted back and forth quite a bit over the past couple of months thanks to the May-June lockdown and this latest stint of stay-at-home conditions; however, the Victorian Government isn't changing the status quo yet — or for the time being.
"Results from a recent Burnet Institute study show that masks played a huge role in slowing the spread of the virus in 2020 — and they will be an important part of our defences against the virus for some time to come," said the Premier in a statement.
Accordingly, whatever you're planning to do once you're permitted to leave your house for any reason you like from tonight, it'll need to involve masks. If you're making any trip beyond your home, you'll need to don a face covering, whether you're going to be indoors or outdoors.
So, the only place where you won't need to pop a mask on is inside your own house — which is currently the case anyway. And, obviously, you'll need to always carry one with you.
The news that the mask mandate will remain in place both outdoors and indoors comes as Victoria reported just ten new local cases identified in the 24 hours to midnight last night.
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.