At Bondi Junction, where Sydney’s outbreak emerged earlier this year, most people wore masks as they did their Christmas shopping but were split over a potential mandate | natassiazc
The NSW branch of Australia’s largest private sector union is calling for a return to indoor mask mandates to protect essential workers as COVID-19 infections rise during Christmas trade, but the state and federal governments remain resolute the issue is one of personal responsibility.
“It’s just that extra bit of protection, especially for those people who aren’t vaccinated,” she said. Another retail assistant, who works at a fashion store in Westfield, said the majority of customers were wearing masks and all her staff had chosen to as well. She thought an indoor mandate for shops was appropriate while cases were on the rise.
“They want to be protected in this really busy period when social distancing is harder in stores, and it’s really critical that the mask-wearing returns. Our position has been that for customers and staff alike we should all be continuing to wear masks until at least after the busy post-Christmas sale period, and maybe then re-evaluate.”
“Whether they get a rapid antigen, or whether they get a swab done two days before, either is fine,” she said. “I won’t be checking people at the door, and I presume they’ll have the sense not to come if it’s positive. My mother died of COVID [in the United Kingdom] before there was a vaccine. It’s a horrible way to die and I don’t want to be responsible for that.”
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