The Victorian government is set to make a major announcement on masks as anxiety over the spread of Omicron grows.
There are mounting calls to bring back mask rules in some indoor settings with Covid continuing to circulate ahead of Christmas.
Senior officials met on Wednesday to discuss the issue, as the Omicron variant gains momentum across the country. Premier Daniel Andrews, who has typically favoured conservative restrictions, briefly returned from holiday to attend a national cabinet meeting on Wednesday.Prime Minister Scott Morrison believes wearing a mask should be a personal decision.“Wear a mask in an indoor setting. You don’t need to be forced to do it,” he said. “There’s no confusion about it, just wear one.
“Think of Christmas Day when you’re going to see elderly relatives, and wear a mask – it’s pretty simple.”People queue outside Melbourne Town Hall Covid-19 testing centre on Wednesday. “Masks should be mandated in all indoor settings including retail, hospitality when not eating or drinking, and entertainment facilities,” he said.There are now 394 infected Victorians in hospital with 70 active in intensive care and 41 on a ventilator.Read related topics:
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