Queenslanders have thrown off their face masks with vigour, but they are still compulsory in certain places and confusion around the rules is leading to non-compliance, pharmacists say.
Mask restrictions were lifted two weeks ago for social and retail settings, but masks are still required on public transport, in airports and in healthcare settings — including pharmacies, prompting the industry to call for clearer messaging.
Toowoomba pharmacist Richard Spencer said many customers were unaware of the rules and it was making his job much harder.
“It's probably been the most challenging two years of my career, and probably even more so now that it just keeps dragging on with inconsistency,” he said.
“[The rules changed] on March 4. We only realised, I think, on March 2 or 3 that we were going to have to continue wearing masks.
“I've got absolute sympathy for the general public not realising that it was healthcare settings where we're needing to still wear masks.”
Mr Spencer said he was observing more instances of non-compliance in his store, but it had become difficult to enforce the rule.
“From our side, it's a bit of a rock and a hard place.”
‘Rules aren’t consistent’
Queensland Pharmacy Guild President Chris Owens said he also sympathised with the community.
“People understandably are frustrated that the rules aren’t consistent across all sectors within, say, a shopping centre,’ he said.
“It’s hard enough to try and keep on top of it at all times and when it’s changing regularly, it’s very difficult to know exactly what the right thing was to do.”
But Mr Owens said he could also see why the decision was made.
“I do feel for those patients who feel more vulnerable, and they want to go to settings and be safer. We do need to provide that opportunity,” he said.
A spokesperson for Queensland Health said people are required to wear masks in vulnerable and high risk settings.
"This measured approach balances the safety of healthcare staff and the community while ensuring people can safely access care and services," they said.
"Businesses have access to a suite of resources, including important advice, posters, and fact sheets to help them meet public health requirements and communicate these to people entering their premises.
"This support has been communicated to businesses throughout the pandemic and continues to be readily accessible."
Expert urges caution
University of Queensland virologist, Associate Professor Kirsty Short, is concerned about mask complacency as a winter with relaxed restrictions, and a potential new COVID-19 variant, approaches.
“I think we have to be very cautious coming up to winter because we don't know what to expect,” Dr Short said.
She said it was important for the public to remember masks were still very effective at stopping the spread of the virus.
"When we talk about pharmacy and healthcare settings, statistically there will be a higher proportion of sick people who go to a pharmacy or GP [than a supermarket]," Dr Short said.
She pointed to evidence from the Burnet Institute which showed masks played a significant role in reducing community transmission during previous outbreaks in Victoria.
"So, masks do play a role," Dr Short said.
Failure to comply with health directions can result in a fine of up to $1,000.
