Face value: are masks still needed to combat coronavirus in NSW and Victoria?

It's critical that health measures are seen to be based on the science and proportionate, experts say

• Covid restrictions state by state
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With double-digit days in a row of no cases of Covid-19 community transmission in Victoria, and several days of no cases in New South Wales, the issue of masks is causing debate.

In Victoria masks are still compulsory throughout the state whenever leaving the home, and being caught without one can incur a $200 fine. In NSW masks are not compulsory but people have been told to consider wearing them in situations where they are unable to maintain a physical distance of 1.5m from others, such as on public transport or in a supermarket. Because it's not law, compliance is haphazard.