About-face: Australian authorities urge masks in danger zones

Masks offer extra protection against SARS-CoV-2 when physical distancing isn’t possible, new advice says
Victoria, Chief Health Officer Dr Brett Sutton
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Dr Brett Sutton. Photo: AAP

Australians in areas of COVID-19 community transmission such as Melbourne should wear masks if they cannot maintain physical distancing, the federal health department now says.

The Victorian Government has already ordered two million reusable masks for people in Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire, premier Daniel Andrews announced on Friday afternoon.