But on Thursday morning, Thomas said easing national restrictions would not change the state`s requirement to wear masks on public transport. For example, under discrimination law, it`s probably legal for a hospital to enforce a general rule requiring you to wear face masks when visiting a patient diagnosed with COVID-19. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Victoria introduced COVID-19 settings that require the wearing of personalized face masks. While specific requirements for wearing a face mask may change from time to time, all people aged 8 years and older in Victoria must wear a face mask in all indoor spaces except private homes. This includes retail, healthcare, care and court facilities, public transport/taxis/ride-sharing, indoor or outdoor events of more than 30,000 people, and airports, with some exceptions. A person who works in an elementary school, attends an elementary school, and students in grades 3 to 6, regardless of age, must also wear a face mask, unless an exception applies. Face masks can stop or slow the spread of airborne viruses when you talk, cough, sneeze and laugh. Face masks reduce your chances of catching and spreading a virus through the air. That`s why wearing a high-quality, well-fitting face mask can protect you and those around you from COVID-19. There are exceptions or legal excuses that allow people not to wear face masks.

An important exception is made if a person has a physical or mental illness or if the condition makes wearing a mask inappropriate. The Commission recognises that this is a complex issue and that service providers struggle to meet their legal obligation to protect their employees and customers, as well as their obligations under discrimination law. However, enforcing a general rule of always denying service to people who don`t wear masks is likely to be illegal. Face masks are mandatory indoors, including in all indoor workplaces. The Equality Act prohibits employers from discriminating against an employee or potential employee with a disability. Employers are also required to make appropriate adjustments for employees with disabilities (e.g. allow an employee with a relevant medical condition to work without a face mask). In these circumstances, an employee may ask his employer to make adjustments for him.

However, an employer is not obliged to make adjustments for an employee with a disability if the adjustments requested by the employee are not appropriate. Different types of masks offer different levels of protection. Wear the protective mask possible. Make sure it fits well and there is no air space on the side. If you have a medical condition that requires you to keep your face uncovered, this is a legal exception to the requirement to wear a face mask. Respirators (N95 and P2) or KN95 protect against the transmission of air or aerosol. They are more effective than surgical masks. Surgical masks protect against large droplets. Cloth masks are the least effective. If you have a medical condition or disability that affects your ability to wear a face mask and you have alerted a trader to your legal exemption but refuse entry or service because you are not wearing a face mask, this may constitute unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act.

However, masks are still mandatory on public transport, carpooling and hospitals, as well as indoors if you are a close Covid contact. Packs of ten face masks will be distributed to anyone who receives a COVID-19 test at a testing site in the state, as well as through community health services and GP practices. They are available on request at Victoria`s staffed stations and public transport hubs. factorie.com.au/search/?q=face+masks&lang=en_AU The imposition of a fine on a person who is legally exempt from wearing a face mask would not be considered discrimination under the Equality Act, as it is not covered by an area of life protected by that Act. There are still a few exceptions that allow people not to wear face masks. This could include: Under the Equality Act, education authorities may not discriminate against a disabled pupil. School authorities must also make appropriate adjustments for students with disabilities (e.g., exempt a student who cannot wear a face mask for medical reasons). Free N95 and KN95 face masks are now available to help Victorians protect themselves and others and reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. Face masks are also highly recommended indoors if you cannot maintain physical distancing, if you have symptoms of COVID-19, or if you are with people who may be susceptible to COVID-19. Step 2. Develop non-discriminatory policies Masks and vaccinations You do not need a medical certificate stating that you have a legitimate reason for not wearing a face mask. If you have a legal reason not to wear a face mask, you don`t need to apply for an exemption or approval.

If a student does not have a disability that prevents them from wearing a face mask, it is unlikely that an instruction from their school or teacher to wear a face mask would constitute discrimination. Anyone 8 years of age or older must wear a face mask in the following situations and locations, with some exceptions: Even though public health regulations require masks to be worn in all retail businesses, the Victorian government`s COVID-Safe recommendation on face masks states that businesses will not provide service to customers who have a valid legal reason for not wearing a mask. should not refuse. While public health guidelines regarding masks change frequently, they have always made it clear that a physical or mental illness, or a condition that prevents a customer from wearing a mask, is a legitimate reason for not doing so. School-aged children are strongly advised to wear face masks indoors in a public space or outdoors in a crowded area where they cannot physically distance. Face masks are mandatory for all individuals 8 years of age and older in the following situations: If you are stopped by police in an environment where face masks are mandatory, you will be asked to confirm the legal reason why you are not wearing a face mask. Think about who is most likely to implement your policies and practices regarding masks and vaccinations, and be sure to train them thoroughly. This may include security personnel at entrances, front staff and managers.

It is important that they understand your obligations under the Discrimination Act and the policies and practices you have in place. The Victorian government has announced an easing of Covid-19 restrictions. Effective Friday, April 22, 2022, 11:59 p.m., you will no longer be required to wear a face mask in elementary schools, early childhood, hospitality and retail, and events of any size. Children 2 years of age or younger are not allowed to wear a face mask as they pose a choking and choking hazard. Treat complaints as an opportunity to learn and adapt your policies and practices to cover the types of scenarios your employees face to ensure you are providing respectful and legal service to the community.