From 12 October 2020, anyone in Victoria must wear a fitted face mask when they leave home, no matter where they live.
The wearing of a face mask whilst in public has been a mandatory requirement for some time. Originally, where people couldn’t obtain a suitable face mask, they could use a scarf, bandana or face shield. Wearing a mask whilst driving a heavy vehicle is only required where you have a passenger (e.g. two-up driving).
As of 11.59pm on 11 October, all Victorians must wear a fitted face mask that covers the nose and mouth. This means that face shields, bandanas, or scarves or loose snoods, loose buffs or loose neck gaiters on their own will no longer be considered a sufficient face covering.
A face mask includes any paper or textile covering designed or made to be worn over the nose and mouth to protect the wearer. It does not have to be medical grade and you can make your own. 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.
A permitted face covering includes a fitted snood, fitted buff or fitted gaiter with the emphasis being that it is fitted face covering. Fitted means the snood, buff or gaiter can extend in a fitted form to snugly fit over and cover your nose and mouth. It must be secure around your neck and lower face with no gaps along the nose ridge or the top of the garment. This requirement is designed to protect the wearer from coronavirus. It must be a sufficient face covering for this purpose.
A snood, buff or gaiter is taken to mean a face and neck covering, in the form of a closed loop, worn around the face and neck. They are taken to be interchangeable terms.
You can still wear a shield that covers your forehead and the sides of your face but it must be worn with a mask.
You can be fined if you don’t wear a fitted face mask when in public.
If you need further assistance please reach out to the NatRoad Member Services Team on 1800 272 144 (8.30 am – 5.00 pm AEST, Mon-Fri) or email [email protected].
