Masks have largely been used throughout the pandemic, with it being mandatory to wear a mask in most public settings.

Finally, to demonstrate some progress toward returning to our pre-pandemic norms, mask restrictions have been lifted from the first week of March (with different dates and restrictions depending on your state). Note: VIC and QLD are easing the restrictions the most compared to the others from Friday 4 March at 11.59 pm (VIC) and 6 pm (QLD).

Things to be mindful of with masks being worn less

• Masks were a major inhibitor and contributed toward people not wanting to be at work in settings where these were required
• More workers may head back into the offices as restrictions ease
• Social distancing (1.5 m between persons) will become harder if everyone returns suddenly to the workplace/office

Tips from wattsnext for SMEs

• Monitor headcount/quantity of people in each venue
• Ensure social distancing can still be maintained (1.5 m between persons)
• Encourage mask use where social distancing cannot be maintained
• Consider a rotation (50% of workers in the office on one day, 50% from home)
• Consider personal working circumstance and personal preferences – some employee may prefer to work at home and feel they contribute their best work from home (Assess reasonability on a case by case basis)
• Consider personal health circumstances – some staff may be immunocompromised, or have other conditions which make them more vulnerable to COVID-19
• Ensure hygienic practices e.g. cleaning surfaces regularly, hand sanitiser available, COVID-19 posters to remind staff
• Have strong policies in place to prevent and reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading throughout the workplace

Here are mask restrictions by State:

Queensland: https://bit.ly/3uj7YIC

Victoria: https://bit.ly/3iqWn4N

New South Wales: https://bit.ly/3ufH7NM

Australian Capital Territory: https://bit.ly/36DOwhO

Northern Territory: https://bit.ly/3qntlHy

South Australia: https://bit.ly/3ujzvtF

Tasmania: https://bit.ly/3D85C3p