Mask rules expected to be scrapped in Victorian retail stores
Victorian shoppers are expected to be able to ditch face masks within days with the state government slated to ease restrictions.
Premier Daniel Andrews said last month Victoria would follow suit with New South Wales and scrap mask-wearing in retail stores after December 15.
The easing of restrictions would come into effect providing hospitalisations remained stable.
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Mask rules are expected to be scrapped in retail settings in Victoria. Photograph by Chris Hopkins
"Unless our health services see a significant jump in hospitalisations, customers for retail will no longer need to wear masks after 15 December - in line with NSW settings," the premier said in a statement on November 18.
The state's new pandemic laws have prevented the Victorian Government from confirming the changes.
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Premier Daniel Andrews earlier said mask rules would ease in retail settings if COVID-19 hospitalisations remained stable. Photograph by Chris Hopkins
Victoria's state of emergency will be replaced with the new laws at 11.59pm on Wednesday, preventing the government from foreshadowing any changes to rules or making them public before they go through "proper processes".
Health Minister Martin Foley will have the power to enforce restrictions like mask-wearing and make pandemic declarations, rather than Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton.
The Victorian Government said it would have "more to say" on future COVIDSafe settings soon.
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