Wearing is caring: Victorians share photos of their face masks

Photos of Greek-Australian Melburnians and their face masks.

Philhellene's John Rerakis 80-year-old mother sewed this mask for him with a traditional touch Photo: Supplied

23 July 2020 12:53pm

Today marks day one of the compulsory mask rule in Victoria.

Victorians in lockdown areas must wear a mask when out in public, facing a 200 dollar fine if caught without one without a valid explanation.

The Department of Health and Human Services of Victoria state if people cannot obtain a mask, a scarf or bandanna alternative is permitted.

Children aged 12 and under are not required to wear a mask.

The only exceptions for not wearing a mask are:

Professional sportspeople when training or competing.
When the individual is doing any exercise or physical activity where they are out of breath or puffing; examples include jogging or running but not walking. You must have a face covering on you and wear it when you finish exercising.
When directed by police to remove the face covering to ascertain identity.
The person is travelling in a vehicle by themselves or with other members of their household.
When consuming food, drink, medication or when smoking/vaping.
When asked to remove a face covering to ascertain identity, for example at a bank branch or bottle shop.
When undergoing dental treatment or other medical care to the extent that the procedure requires that no face covering may be worn.
During emergencies.

In the meantime, Victorians are finding new ways to express themselves through their masks donning colourful prints, scarves and even some trying their hand at DIY.