The ACT Government has reintroduced the mandatory use of face masks in indoor settings (other than a place of residence) from 11.59pm Tuesday 21 December 2021.
Wearing a mask is a simple and practical way to minimise transmission of COVID-19.
For children under 12, there is no mandatory requirement to wear a face mask and this remains at the discretion of parents and carers.
Note: A face covering means a mask or other covering that fits securely around the face and covers the nose and mouth to provide the wearer with protection against infection.
A scarf or bandana is not a face mask.
A person may remove their face mask in the following situations:
when consuming food, drink or medicine (for the hospitality sector, patrons can remove masks if seated)
when communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing and visibility of the mouth is essential for communication
if asked to remove a face mask to ascertain identity (for example, if asked by a police officer)
when the nature of a person’s work means that wearing a face mask creates a risk to health and safety
if it is necessary for the proper provision of goods or services
when undertaking vigorous exercise
because of an emergency.
when performing essential work in an indoor space, but only when:in an office where no other people are present
when sitting or standing at a workstation in an office, and
1.5 metres away from any other person.
As soon as a person is no longer alone or is moving, they must wear a face mask.
Face masks continue to be mandatory for people aged 12 years and over while inside the Canberra Airport terminal and during domestic commercial flights in and out of Canberra.
Please remember, not everyone can wear a mask safely.
A person is not required to wear a face mask if they have a physical or mental health illness or condition, or disability, which makes wearing a face mask detrimental to their condition.
A formal written exemption for not wearing a face mask based on the above conditions is not required under the public health direction.
Information on exemptions can be found on the Face Masks Direction.
Under the public health direction, an authorised officer is permitted to question why you are not wearing a face mask however, a verbal response is sufficient.
If you would like documentation, you can ask your registered health practitioner or disability care provider to issue a letter confirming your inability to wear a mask.
For information for businesses, please visit the ACT Government Business Hub.