• From 5pm on 31 December 2020 you must wear a fitted face mask when you are in public indoor spaces unless you have a lawful reason not to.
  This includes when visiting places such as:
  • shopping centres, supermarkets, retail outlets and indoor markets
  • hospitals and aged care facilities
  • restaurants and cafes, except when you are eating or drinking
  • churches and places of worship
  • libraries
  • indoor recreational facilities and gyms
  • indoor workplaces.
• You must wear a fitted face mask when you are in an airport terminal. It is strongly recommended you wear a face mask while on your flight.
• You must continue to carry a face mask with you at all times when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason not to. This is in case you require your face mask, for example, if you aren’t able to keep 1.5 metres distance from other people or enter a public indoor space.
• Face masks are mandatory on public transport and when in taxis or ride share vehicles.
• If you have coronavirus (COVID-19) or are a close contact and you need to leave home (or the place where you are undertaking isolation or quarantine) for a permitted reason (for example in a medical emergency) then you must wear a fitted face mask.
• If you have any symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) you must wear a fitted face mask when you leave home (for example to get tested).
• If you are awaiting test results for coronavirus (COVID-19) and you had the test done because you have symptoms, have been otherwise required to quarantine or self-isolate, or are currently experiencing symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) but you need to leave home (for example to receive urgent medical care) then you must wear a fitted face mask.
• It is strongly recommended that you wear a face mask outdoors when you are unable to stay more than 1.5 metres from other people, such as transport stops, busy walkways and thoroughfares.
• In situations where you must wear a mask, you must wear a fitted face mask that covers the nose and mouth. This means that face shields, bandanas or scarves or loose snoods, or loose neck gaiters on their own are not considered a sufficient face covering.
• A cloth face mask with three layers or a surgical mask is recommended by the Chief Health Officer, as it provides the best protection for you and others.
• There are a number of lawful excuses for not wearing a face mask in settings where a face mask is mandatory such as illness or disability. Other reasons a person may choose not to wear a mask include where the person is:
  • under 12 years of age
  • a student at a primary school or outside school hours care
  • in the process of being married
  • a professional sportsperson when training or competing
  • engaged in any strenuous physical exercise
  • receiving a service where it is not reasonably practicable to receive that service wearing a face covering.
• Download a poster of what face masks you can and can't wear (PDF)
• Download a poster of what face masks you can and can't wear (Word).

For your physical health, the most important thing you can do is maintain basic hygiene, particularly frequently washing your hands with soap or using hand sanitiser. For your mental wellbeing, there are a number of things you can do:

• Maintain a healthy diet, exercise and sleep regime.
• Keep the conversation going – talking to loved ones about any worries and concerns.
• Engage in hobbies and enjoyable activities at home.
• Be prepared – ensure you have enough food, supplies and medication on hand. Ask for help collecting these items if needed.
• Avoid or reduce your use of alcohol and tobacco.
• Get reliable and trusted information – make sure you receive information through trusted and credible sources, rather than social media. If you can’t access the internet, ask a friend or family member to get you the most up-to-date information from credible sources such as:
  • The coronavirus (COVID-19) section on this site
  • Australian Government coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert
  • World Health Organization – coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak
• Limit your exposure to media – you or a loved one may feel stressed listening to the news.

Staying positive
While it might feel like we don’t have control of current events, it's important to remember that we can do many things to feel empowered and enabled. Find opportunities to share positive and hopeful stories with others, generate positive emotions by sharing memories, and show acts of kindness.

Staying connected
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic highlights the importance of community and social connections in improving our health and wellbeing.

Connect with friends and family

• Staying connected with friends and family at this time can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. For example, regular phone or video calls.
• For older Australians, now might be the time to embrace technology. Younger family members can help you get set up and guide you through the process. Give it a go!
• If you are more comfortable with the phone, call friends and family for regular catch-ups. You could even write notes or letters.

Call for support
If you are feeling less connected as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19) you can call the Coronavirus Hotline (1800 675 398) and press 3.You will be connected to a volunteer from the Australian Red Cross who can link you with local supports.