The states will be able to mandate mask-wearing to protect against COVID-19, Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt says.

Mr Hunt says whether to encourage or make masks mandatory won’t be a national directive but he’s confirmed Victorian health authorities are considering changing the prevailing message as the state’s caseload climbs. 

Victoria recorded 75 new COVID-19 cases on Monday — the highest number in three months — following outbreaks in Melbourne suburban hotspots. 

At the start of the pandemic, the Federal Government recommended against the routine use of masks, stating that it was not necessary while the rate of community transmission was low and could even be counterproductive.