Aussie travellers can breathe a sigh of relief as the Australian Government has confirmed the mandatory mask mandate on domestic flights will be lifted on Friday 9 September and the wearing of masks on domestic flights will become voluntary.
The scrapping of masks on domestic flights brings Australia into line with the current regulations in the US, UK and other European countries.
Qantas and Virgin Australia have announced that they will continue to make masks available on board for passengers who wish to remain masked.
The COVID-19 isolation period will also be reduced from seven days to five days from Friday 9 September for people without symptoms.
The seven-day mandatory isolation will remain in place for those working in high-risk settings and for people who are still sick.
After much speculation this week, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the changes after meeting with state and territory leaders and after receiving an update from Acting Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Victorian government has no plans to ditch its mask mandate on public transport, despite federal health advice that they are no longer needed on planes.
Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said it would not prompt the state to reconsider its requirement for masks to be worn on trains, trams and ride-share services.
“I will continue to consider the health advice, but at the moment there are no plans in relation to change there,” she said.
“Masks are a very simple and effective way to reduce the spread of the virus. We’ve still got COVID in our community. It’s important that all members of the community understand that.”
Via AAP
