Face masks – Victoria

Updated on 20 October 2022, at 14:25 AET

Current Restrictions

It is recommended you wear a mask if:

• you have COVID-19 or are a close contact and you need to leave your home or accommodation, for at least 7 days
• you’re caring for someone with COVID-19
• you have COVID-19 symptoms
• you’re visiting or working in a hospital or care facilities
• you’re at high risk of illness or are with people who may be vulnerable to COVID-19

Exceptions

Exceptions to wearing a face mask include if:

• you're under 8 years of age
• you have a medical condition that makes wearing a face mask unsuitable
• you can’t do your job while wearing a face mask
• communication is difficult, such as for people who are deaf or hard of hearing
• you’re in an emergency situation
• you’re working alone indoors — but if another person enters the same space, you must put your mask back on
• you’re visiting a person you are in an intimate personal relationship with
• when doing strenuous physical exercise such as running or cycling
• when required or authorised by law

Children aged 2 years or younger must not wear a face mask, because they’re a choking and suffocation risk.

You don’t need a medical certificate stating that you have a lawful reason for not wearing a face mask. If you have a lawful reason for not wearing a face mask, you don’t need to apply for an exemption or permit.

If you’re stopped by police in a setting where masks are mandatory, they’ll ask you to confirm the lawful reason you’re not wearing a face mask.

For more information on restrictions in Victoria, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au.