Source: 9news
Victorians who fail to wear masks on public transport will be slapped with a $200 fine under a new police blitz from today.
The police crackdown comes after the Department of Transport revealed compliance levels on wearing masks had dropped in the state.
Market research showed only 53 per cent of train passengers and 52 per cent of tram passengers were currently wearing masks, despite commuters being legally required to wear them on public transport.
Police are set to take an “educative approach” during the blitz, initially offering masks to commuters without one.
However, people who reject the offer and deliberately fail to comply with the COVID-19 directions will be fined $200.
“We know that many people within the community have expressed discomfort around diminishing mask compliance on public transport,” Superintendent Andrew Humberstone said.
“In response to this, commuters may notice a bolstered Protective Services Officers (PSO) and police presence performing roving patrols across the city’s public transport network from Monday.”
Police will not only be engaging with those not wearing a mask without a valid reason and offering them a face covering, but also providing reassurance to the rest of the traveling public that a rule designed to protect everyone’s health and safety is still being respected.”
The mask blitz will last for two weeks until June 6.
Police will be riding Melbourne trains, trams and buses, patrolling some of the busiest stations and lines, with a heavy presence during peak-hour periods.
Face masks have been mandatory on public transport in Victoria since mid-2020.
However, the state’s streak of 87 days of zero local COVID-19 cases has sparked complacency among many Victorians.
“Given face coverings aren’t as ingrained in our daily lives as they were last year, we also understand it may be easy to forget to pack a mask as you rush for the train in the morning or leave the pub after a few post-work drinks,” Superintendent Humberstone said.
“So we will always be adopting an educational approach and providing anyone not wearing a mask with the option of one.”We will also be on the lookout for any criminal or anti-social behaviour.”
The drop in mask compliance comes after a recent COVID scare left the state on edge.
A man infected with COVID-19 traveled on two trains while potentially infectious earlier this month, his commute coinciding with the end of an AFL match.
Anyone onboard the Craigieburn to Southern Cross train service on May 7 departing at 5.28pm was urged to get tested.
Commuters who traveled on the 10.20pm train service from Flinders Street to Craigieburn were also required to take a COVID-19 test.
