Premier Daniel Andrews announced the change in his daily briefing on Sunday as he outlined the roadmap to recovery.
When the rule was first enforced in regional Victoria on August 3, forms of face coverings other than a mask were allowed.
“Some of the concessions we made as we adjusted to this new normal – things like wearing a scarf or a bandana or a face shield – will no longer apply,” Mr Andrews said.
“Victorians will now be required to wear a fitted face mask, covering the nose and mouth.
“As I’ve said before, wearing a face covering is a small sacrifice – but it makes a huge difference in keeping all of us safe.”
A face shield may still be worn but must now be accompanied with a fitted face mask.
Mr Andrews also announced the trigger point for taking the next steps on the roadmap to recovery would be solely based on reaching case number targets, rather than the dates originally set out.
“Making sure we have enough time to evaluate the impact, movement between steps will be spaced at least three weeks apart,” he said.
It means metropolitan Melbourne could move to the third step – which regional Victoria is currently under – on October 19, allowing for travel in and out of Melbourne for the first time since July 8.
Moving to the last step before COVID-normal requires no new cases statewide for 14 days.
The date for this was November 23, however it could now be considered as early as November 9, if the case numbers are met.
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