Warrnambool shoppers appear to be embracing the state government's mandatory masks policy.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Everyone in Victoria - as of Monday - is required to wear a face covering when they leave home, unless they have a lawful exception.
The Standard spent 20 minutes observing three of Warrnambool's shopping centres at lunchtime on Monday.
Seventy-five people entered Woolworths Dennington wearing a mask.
Two people entered not wearing a mask.
At the Armada Gateway Plaza entrance (facing Raglan Parade), 56 people entered wearing a mask.
No one entered without a face covering.
One man came out of the plaza not wearing a mask.
At one of the Coles Northpoint entrances, 34 people entered the plaza wearing masks.
No one entered the shopping centre without a mask.
One one man reached the front door without a face covering.
He realised he forgot his mask and went back to his car to get it.
READ MORE:
Children under 12 years do not need to wear a face covering.
However, The Standard observed some children under 12 wearing a mask. They were accompanied by an adult.
As stated on the DHHS website lawful exceptions for not wearing a face covering include: "if you have an illness or condition that makes wearing a face covering unsuitable, if you are doing strenuous exercise or if you are unable to do your job while wearing a face covering".
Children aged two years or younger must not wear face coverings as they are a choking and suffocation risk according to DHHS guidelines.
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.