Face coverings now need to be an actual mask as the rules are tightened.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Tuesday that Cabinet has enhanced mask rules under the red traffic light system. They will come into force in nine days.
Ardern said masks must be worn at food and drink businesses, close proximity businesses and events, with the exception of drinking and exercising.
These rules do not apply to swimming pools or non-public facing businesses, she said.
Face coverings must be an actual mask that is fitted to the face, as it is proven they are more effective.
"That means no more scarfs, bandannas, or as some of us may have seen from time to time, T-shirts pulled up over the face, for example," Ardern said.
All workers who are mandated to be vaccinated must wear a medical mask or N95 face mask in their workplace, cloth masks do not cut it anymore.
"We've looked at a lot of overseas data on who is most successfully managing Omicron and masks play a significant role when done right," Ardern said.
The Prime Minister also announced that children will have to wear masks on public transport.
According to the Ministry of Health website, wearing a mask helps minimise the direct spread of COVID-19 by protecting you against infected particles and droplets that occur when a person speaks, coughs or breathes.
For effective protection face masks need to be well fitted, used correctly and worn consistently.
