Stores in Melbourne have revealed plans to ban people from entering if they don't have a face mask.
From Thursday, it will be mandatory to wear a face covering, with people facing a $200 fine if they do not adhere to the ruling. The measure is intended to stop the spread of the coronavirus as thousands of cases are recorded in parts of the state.
While some people have declared they intend to fight the rule, they won't be allowed into some popular locations if they do so.
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Bunnings, Officeworks, Kmart, Target, Myer, David Jones and the Country Road Group have announced that anyone shopping at one of their stores in the Melbourne metro or Mitchell Shire areas will be refused entry if they aren't wearing a mask.
Electronics retailer Harvey Norman has extended that same sentiment to people entering their stores across Victoria.
The rule will apply to everyone over the age of 12, however people with breathing difficulties and proof of condition will be granted exemptions.
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Interestingly, Woolworths says it won't be introducing a mask mandate because there are a 'range of personal circumstances where masks aren't recommended', according to The Age. Coles also hasn't announced a specific rule of wearing masks in stores.
Staff at both supermarkets will be required to wear a face covering.
Store owners have been told to contact the police if anyone is kicking off about being told to leave or put on a mask.
Premier Daniel Andrews has clarified a few of the rules when it comes to face mask wearing.
He revealed that you have to wear one if you are out walking or hiking in your local area, however you don't have to wear one if you are running. You must have a face covering ready to put on once you finish running though.
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Teachers won't have to wear one if they are looking after kids younger than 12, however high school students will be required to wear them.
Everyone else will have to put on a face covering when they're outside their homes.
"It doesn't come at an enormous cost to the Victorian economy," Mr Andrews said. "It still allows us to go about our business, particularly those who can't work at home and for going shopping for the basics when you need them."
Victoria has extended its state of emergency by another month after 363 new cases of coronavirus in the state since Saturday.
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Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said: "That decision has been made acting on the advice of the Chief Health Officer, given that we continue to see rising case numbers, increasing numbers of people being hospitalised and sadly also increasing fatalities."
Topics: News, Coronavirus, Face Mask, Australia