COVID-19: The ultimate guide to face masks

What are the new face mask rules in Victoria?

When do the new mask rules for lockdown areas come into place?

Face masks that cover the mouth and nose are mandatory when outside the home for all Victorian residents. Anyone not complying can be fined $200. Acceptable coverings include surgical masks and cloth masks, and the chief health officer recommends a mask with three layers. As of 12 October, scarves, bandanas and face shields are no longer considered a sufficient face covering. 

Who needs to wear a mask?

Anyone over the age of 12 living in Victoria. Younger children are not required to wear a mask.

When do I need to wear a mask?

Whenever outside the home for the four permissible reasons (whether it be for work or study, exercise, caregiving or receiving, or shopping for essentials).

Are there any exemptions?

You are not required to wear a mask if you are a teacher, child under 12 years of age, for professional reasons (ie, if it will hinder your ability to do your job), or if you have a medical reason. You must remove your mask when entering bank premises.

What about if I’m eating or drinking?

You can remove your mask to eat or drink regardless of where you are but when you’re finished you must put your mask back on immediately.

What if I have to take medicine?

You can take your mask off to take medicine but must put it back on immediately after.

What if I am caught in public not wearing a face covering?

Anyone not complying can be fined $200. Businesses may face tougher penalties.

Do I need to wear a mask if I am driving in my car alone?

No, you do not need to wear a mask when in the car, but you must put one on when you get out.

What about at work?

Yes, you must wear a mask at work where it is practical to do so. Exemptions include teachers and other professions which may make the wearing of masks difficult, such as call-centre operators. Masks must be worn even if you are able to apply proper social distancing from your colleagues (ie, on a construction site). The advice remains that if you can work from home, you must. Employers discouraging the use of masks face hefty penalties.

Do I need to wear a mask when jogging?

No, it is not mandatory while jogging, but you must carry one with you and put it on as soon as you finish your run if your end point is not your home.

What about cycling?

No, it is not mandatory but, as with jogging, you must carry one with you and put it on as soon as you finish cycling if your end point is not your home.

What about walking the dog?

Yes, you need to wear a mask when you are out and about.

What about in the bank?

For security reasons, you are required to remove your mask when entering bank premises.

I live in regional Victoria. Do I need to wear a mask?

Yes. Face masks are mandatory in regional Victoria.

What type of mask should you choose and how should you handle it?

There are three main types of mask.

N95 or P2 respirator masks

Not recommended for the general public, these tight-fitting respirators filter out a high percentage of even the smallest airborne particles and droplets. As such they offer the highest standard of protection for health professionals and other essential workers on the COVID-19 frontline. In particular, members of the public should avoid N95 masks fitted with an exhalation valve as these offer lesser protection for those nearby.

Disposable surgical masks

Disposable surgical masks are more readily available and less expensive to buy than the N95 masks (which are not recommended for general public use). Looser-fitting surgical masks provide barrier protection against droplets that may carry the virus. Most surgical masks do not filter small particles from the air and do not offer airtight protection for the wearer due to leakage around the edges of the mask when the wearer inhales. However, they do help prevent transmission from the wearer to others in the community as well as providing some protection for the wearer against airborne droplets. These masks cannot be reused and must be carefully removed and disposed of after each use.

Reusable cloth masks

Either bought or homemade, cloth masks offer a less expensive and more sustainable alternative, which can be washed after each use and reused time and time again. Like surgical masks, they offer barrier protection but will not filter out small air particles and will not offer airtight protection. Head of Melbourne University’s chemical and biomedical engineering school, professor Sandra Kentish, says cloth masks can be made very simply at home and, like surgical masks, are effective in blocking airborne virus droplets. However, they must be washed thoroughly in hot water after each single use and dried either on a clothesline in sunlight or in a hot dryer to kill the virus. 

How to wear a mask correctly

Regardless of the type of mask you wear, Sandra says it will only provide effective protection if worn and removed correctly. She says a mask must fully cover the nose, mouth and chin, without any gaps between the side of the mask and face. Many health workers shave off their beards to ensure masks are as airtight as possible, she says.

“It’s important never to touch the front of the mask when you’re wearing it or taking it off; the front of the mask captures [the virus] and you’ll get it on your fingers,” Sandra says. 

Masks should always be removed using the straps, without touching the mask itself.

Some people report experiencing skin irritation, inflammation and pimples after wearing a mask. Australian dermatologist Dr Li-Chuen Wong says if a particular area of the skin is irritated, it might suggest a contact allergy to either dyes or adhesives found in the mask or detergents used to wash the mask. She also says to make sure that the mask is fitted properly and not causing a friction dermatitis. 

Avoid wearing occlusive foundation/makeup and harsh skincare products that will only exacerbate the problem and apply a scent-free moisturiser every few hours to protect the skin.  

If the problem persists, she says to see your local doctor or dematologist.