Masks won't be compulsory to wear in alert level 2 despite many Kiwi public health experts again urging the Government to introduce it as a policy.
The latest review by the Ministry of Health says masks may reduce the spread of the virus and could provide protection, especially on public transport.
Masks have become a common sight on our streets over the past few months. It seems we've all become used to seeing and wearing them, and an epidemiologist from the University of Otago says as we move to level 2 they should become compulsory.
"[It's about] recognising the situations where people are pushed together and having one more barrier between the virus," Professor Michael Baker says.
He believes it's especially important on public transport, where during the workday commute it's difficult to keep a distance from other passengers and almost impossible to contact trace if the virus spreads.
But again on Monday, the Government restated its position and said masks won't be compulsory anywhere.
"It's not a supply issue, it's an evidence issue, and what I would say is evidence is very much in the balance," Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield says.
That's despite a Ministry of Health review of the policy saying masks "may reduce viral spread", especially in asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic people. It also says masks may provide protection in closed spaces, such as public transport.
Dr Bloomfield says they "will keep watching" to see if the policy on masks is changed to make them compulsory.
Close to 100 countries - including Spain, France, Germany and the United States - all require or recommend masks are worn in public.
Chairperson of the NZ Hairdressers Association Niq James will be wearing one when he goes back to work on Thursday. He represents 12,000 hairdressers and barbers, but they're not sure exactly what protection to wear or where to get it.
"We've been told to wear appropriate PPE, but there's no clarification what that is, so we're really worried."
With half a million people expected to get a haircut in the first week of level 2, the concern is hair salons could become the next COVID cluster.
