Central Coast commuters no longer be required to wear masks on public transport.
The NSW Government has announced masks will no longer be mandatory on public transport from September 21, including taxis and rideshare services, in transport waiting areas and the indoor areas of cruise terminals.
“This is a common-sense approach that brings the rules into line for people travelling on buses or trains with those for planes and airport terminals,” Premier Dominic Perrottet said.
NSW Health continues to recommend that people wear masks where they cannot physically distance from others, and in settings where there are vulnerable people and those who are at high risk of severe illness.
Health Minister, Brad Hazzard, said masks still play a significant role in reducing the risk of transmission.
“Continuing to wear a mask in crowded areas will be particularly important for people who have underlying health conditions or who are vulnerable to COVID-19 infection for other reasons,” he said.
“Wearing a mask in these settings will not only protect those around you, but will also reduce your risk of infection.
“We can all continue to help protect each other, but particularly those most vulnerable to COVID-19 infection, by staying at home when feeling unwell, taking a COVID-19 test straight away and self-isolating.”
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney, David Elliott, said he welcomed the decision to bring the mask mandate for commuters in line with arrangements in other states, domestic travel, venues and events.
“Everyone has demonstrated throughout this pandemic that they will do what is required to protect themselves and each other from COVID-19 and I have no doubt they will continue to do so,” Elliott said.
“Commuters will be pleased to hear this news as they will now able to make a personal decision and have a choice about when they wear a mask – particularly in outdoor public transport areas.”
Mask wearing will remain mandatory at public hospitals, private health facilities and residential aged care facilities.
Residents are still urged to stay home if unwell, restrict get-togethers to outdoors or in large, well-ventilated spaces with open doors and windows, practise good hygiene by washing or sanitising often, take a rapid antigen test before visiting vulnerable loved ones or going to large gatherings and events and staying up to date with vaccinations – for both flu and COVID-19.
NSW Health will also continue to work with SafeWork NSW and business groups to support workplaces to safely manage COVID-19.
Source:
Media release, Sep 19
NSW Government