Airport face mask mandate dropped
Travellers and workers at Australian airports will no longer be required to wear a face mask as health officials drop the mandate.
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) - a group of the nation's state and territory chief health officers - said face masks were no longer required at airports.
The mandate can be dropped from June 17 but masks will still need to be worn on all flights.
“The AHPPC notes that all states and territories have relaxed mask mandates in most settings within the community and considers that it is no longer proportionate to mandate mask use in airport terminals," a statement from the committee said.
The federal government expects the states to drop the mandate and follow the advice soon.
"We anticipate the travelling public will notice this change in the days following Friday as individual state and territory jurisdictions make the necessary changes to their public health orders," a joint statement from Health Minister Mark Butler and Transport Minister Catherine King said.
"This changed advice comes after the AHPPC has reviewed the current COVID-19 situation in Australia and considers it no longer proportionate to mandate mask-wearing in the terminals. It has also noted all states and territories have relaxed mask mandates in most community settings."
Despite the dropping of the mandate, Aussies are still strongly urged to wear masks to stop the spread of Covid-19 as well as the flu.
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