The policy on who must wear a face covering and who doesn’t have to under COVID-19 alert level 2 was released today (Thursday August 27) by Health Minister Chris Hipkins.

He advised that under Section 11 of COVID-19 Public Health Response Act a new order will be signed today setting out the policy on the mandatory wearing of face masks on public transport.

From Monday August 31 face coverings will be compulsory on public transport, including trains, buses, ferries and aircraft, he said.

There are a number of exemptions, however. 

While bus drivers must wear face masks, they do not need to be worn by school children on school buses.

Neither is it a requirement for masks to be worn on inter-island ferries, on chartered buses or group tours, or chartered aircraft, or any other form of transport where passengers will already be registered as “within a bubble” or where a 2m safe separation can be achieved.

“Face coverings are an added layer of protection in a close environment, but maintaining physical distancing is still the best mechanism,” Chris said.

Also excluded are children under the age of 12 years and passengers travelling in small passenger services, such as taxis or Uber, but the drivers must wear a face mask.

“People with a disability, or physical or mental condition, that makes covering their face unsuitable will also not have to wear a mask,” he said.

“We do not have a mask wearing culture here in New Zealand. This is going to take us all some time to get used to and so we do ask for patience and cooperation....What we’re asking is for people to wear a face covering just as you would buckle up when you get into a car,” he said.

While those who choose not to wear masks when legally required could face infringement fines for now he asks everyone to be kind and cooperative with one another while everyone adjusts to the new situation.

Under alert level 2 face coverings are not mandatory in other situations, such as in shops or public venues, but Ministry of Health advice is that people may consider wearing them when they cannot maintain physical distance from people they don’t know.

PHOTO: Supplied