Australia: The mask requirements at all airport Terminals will be lifted this weekend.
The federal government said on Tuesday (Jun 15) that after the recommendation of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) to ease the mandate from midnight on 17 June.
AHPPC considers that it is no longer proportionate to mandate mask use in airport terminals. Passengers will still be required to wear masks on planes, in line with AHPPC’s advice.
Australia’s airports have also welcomed the announcement that mask mandates within airport terminals will end at midnight on Friday.
Australian Airports Association Chief Executive James Goodwin said: “Travellers are sensible people, so we are pleased that the decision to wear a mask in an airport is now up to them.
“The end of mask mandates within the terminal will assist airport staff by allowing them to carry out their busy roles without the need to monitor the use of masks.
“Masks have not been required in supermarkets, shopping centres and many other indoor public areas for some time, so this now brings airports in line with those venues and avoids confusion for travellers.”
Passengers are still being reminded that wearing masks once on the aircraft is mandatory in all states.
Mr Goodwin added: “Wearing a mask on board an aircraft is still a government requirement, so we encourage all travellers to continue to pack their mask with all their other essentials, follow the rules and comply with any directions from staff.”
