Home

Victorian government gives huge clue on future Covid masks rules

Holly HalesNCA NewsWire
Melbourne CBD 12 months after lockdown Bourke Street Mall. Andrew Henshaw
Camera IconMelbourne CBD 12 months after lockdown Bourke Street Mall. Andrew Henshaw Credit: News Corp Australia

The Victorian government has revealed how it intends to tackle future mask rules amid tens of thousands of new weekly Covid infections.

Employment Minister Jaala Pulford gave the insight on Saturday morning, saying Victorians should be left to decide whether or not they wear a mask, in most circumstances.

“It’s now two and a half years since Covid arrived very dramatically here in Victoria and everyone I think remembers that well,” she said.

“People are able to make I think informed decisions about what they can and need to do for their own health and for that of the people that they work with and live with.”

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW
The Minister for Employment, Jaala Pulford
Camera IconMinister for Employment Jaala Pulford gave insight in mask rules on Saturday. NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly Credit: News Corp Australia

Ms Pulford said Victorians should be aware of their ability to social distance when deciding whether to wear a mask and implement other measures to help stop the spread of Covid.

“Our expectation is that people know this now and can make those decisions, so absolutely, in situations where people are unable to distance and in are in enclosed spaces, we are encouraging people to wear their masks and distance,” she said.

“We’re also encouraging businesses and organisations to think about ventilation and make sure vaccines are up to date.”

City 12 months on
Camera IconSome mask rules remain for Melburnians amid high case numbers. Andrew Henshaw Credit: News Corp Australia

The insight comes as the state recorded more than 40,000 new Covid cases over the past week, including 4300 on Friday alone.

There are now 543 infected Victorians in hospital and 22 people died with the virus in the past 24 hours.

Masks are currently mandatory in Victoria on public transport, in taxis/rideshare vehicles and inside aircraft for people aged 12 and over.

They must also be worn while visiting a hospital, care facility or any other indoor space that is publicly accessible in a healthcare setting.

Originally published as Victorian government gives huge clue on future Covid masks rules

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails