The AHPPC considers that it is no longer proportionate to mandate mask use in airport terminals. Individual states can now drop the mandate as early as midnight June 17.
Travellers could be able to roam within Australian airports mask-free from Friday after the nation's top health officials recommended ditching one of the few remaining mask mandates.
"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 said it was likely states will implement 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."