The Victorian Premier Dan Andrews today announced that wearing face coverings will be mandatory for people over the age of 12 years old in Melbourne and Mitchell Shire from 11.59 pm Wednesday 22 July. 

This means people will now need to wear a face covering or mask during the four activities they can be outside of their home for (exercise, essential shopping, caregiving and work/study where it can't be done from home). While there will be some practical exemptions (for example you will be able to run without a face covering) from 11:59 pm Wednesday 22 July there will be on-the-spot fines for not following these rules.  

In the coming days, we will have further advice from government about the practical application of that rule in workplaces and our industry. We will keep members informed as soon as we have that information. 

But for now, members should take note of version five of the industry guidelines released last week that clearly recommends the use of face coverings or masks for the health and safety of all within the industry.

The Premier's full media release can be read here