After midnight tonight, Victorians wearing a face shield, bandana or scarf-instead of a face mask-will be fined.
On September 27, because the advice had changed and they no longer met the test of effectively covering the nose and mouth, the Victorian premier declared the products were prohibited.
Daniel Andrews warned during a press conference on Friday that the two-week adjustment period for individuals to switch to face masks was about to end.
Those wearing an inappropriate face covering will be fined $200 from 11.59pm on Sunday October 11.
“All Victorians must wear face masks when they leave their homes as restrictions ease and movement increases. The effectiveness of masks is even more important and obvious,” Andrews said on Friday.
“I remind people that Victoria Police can enforce these rules.
“Again, no-one for a moment is suggesting that wearing a mask is something that is pleasant, or something we would choose to do, if [it] were not for a significant public health benefit.”
From Oct 12 all Victorians must wear a fitted face mask that covers nose & mouth when you leave home. Face shields, bandanas, or scarves on their own are no longer sufficient. As restrictions ease + movement increases, the effectiveness of a face mask is even more important [1/2] pic.twitter.com/YmYkxRoD5z
— VicGovDHHS (@VicGovDHHS) October 9, 2020
The Health and Human Services Department tweeted about the new regulations on Saturday, saying the fitted face mask must cover the nose and mouth, and three-layered masks are best.
There are a variety of lawful excuses for Victorians not to wear a face mask.
These include children under the age of 12 or a person who is affected by a medical condition that is significant.