COVID-19 Update: Mask Mandate Reinstated in NSW and Victoria

Mask mandates and additional public health measures are reinstated in New South Wales and Victoria in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19 during the holiday and summer season.

As of December 24 in New South Wales, all people in the state over the age of 12 are required to wear masks in all indoor public settings. Density limits will be reinstated for hospitality venues on December 27, with one person per two square metres allowed indoors. QR code check-ins are once again mandatory in hospitality and retail settings. These public health measures will be in place until at least January 27, 2022.

In Victoria, masks are also mandatory in all indoor venues outside of households as of December 24. The mask mandate applies to all individuals eight years old and over across the state. Masks are also mandatory at major outdoor events hosting over 30,000 people, except when seated.

Mask mandates already implemented

Here are the details of mask mandates already in place for individuals ages 12 years old and older in other states and territories.

Queensland
Individuals must wear face masks in cinemas, theatres, supermarkets, shops, shopping centres, public transportation, rideshare vehicles, taxis and vulnerable facilities. Hospitality workers must wear face masks when at work.

Tasmania
Individuals must wear face masks in all indoor public areas.

Australian Capital Territory
Individuals must wear face masks in all indoor public settings.

Northern Territory
Individuals must wear a face mask in these specified areas:

• Outside of the home in Tennant Creek and Ali Curung, including the surrounding homelands of Imangara, Imperrenth, Double D, Junkaji and Wakurlpu until 5:00 pm on Wednesday, December 29
• Outside of the home when you can’t maintain a distance of 1.5m from other people in Barkly Local Government Area until 5:00 pm on Wednesday, December 29
• Indoor public settings and venues in the Municipality of Alice Springs and Amoonguna community until 5:00 pm on Friday, December 24

South Australia
Individuals must wear a face mask in certain high-risk settings:

• indoor public spaces, with the exemption of bridal parties during ceremonies
• indoor fitness venues, except when exercising
• public transportation
• personal care services, except when a mask gets in the way of the service
• healthcare services, except when a mask gets in the way of the service
• disability- and aged-care facilities

Western Australia
In Perth and Peel, masks are mandatory in all indoor public settings including hospitality, shopping centres, public transport, work and places of worship from 6:00 pm on Thursday, December 23 to 6:00 am on Tuesday, December 28.