COVID masks

Information for community 

You are no longer required to wear a face mask in most indoor settings, but wearing a mask remains recommended in indoor settings where you can’t physically distance, if you have any cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, or are with people who may be vulnerable to respiratory illnesses such as influenza and COVID-19.

Face masks can stop or slow airborne viruses from spreading. The government's public health advice continues to strongly recommend measures for mask wearing, isolation and retaining COVIDSafe Plans.

When you should wear a mask

  • for at least seven days if you have COVID-19 or are a close contact and: you need to leave home or you cannot maintain physical distance
  • if you are caring for someone at home who is sick with COVID-19
  • if you have any COVID-19 symptoms
  • if you are with people who may be vulnerable to COVID-19
  • if you are visiting or working in a sensitive setting such as hospitals and aged care facilities
  • if you know you are at a higher risk of falling very sick with COVID-19.

Free masks for community members
Free N95 and KN95 face masks are available to help Victorians protect themselves and others and to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. Packs of 10 face masks are being distributed to anyone who gets a COVID-19 test at a state testing site, and through community health services and GP respiratory clinics. They are available on request at staffed train stations and Public Transport Victoria hubs.

Additional public health measures that may be implemented or recommended by states and territories can be found in the National COVID-19 Community Protection Framework.

Information on keeping your workplace COVIDSafe and further business support can be hound here.

Apply for PPE for clinical use

Page last updated 20 December 2022