Coronavirus: Gladys Berejiklian creates confusion over mask rules while not covering up when getting a coffee

Gladys Berejiklian has been caught out disregarding her own rules after buying a cup of coffee while not wearing a mask — or has she? The NSW Premier has found herself at the centre of controversy over her obscure regulations surrounding masks after being pictured outside a Sydney cafe not covering up yesterday. “No matter where you live in greater metropolitan Sydney, you should have a mask with you,” Ms Berejiklian said on Saturday. “Even if you’re just exercising with your household, you might change your mind to pick up a coffee or pick up something or be in an outdoor market, you have to wear a mask.” Yet the Premier appeared to ignore her own words when grabbing a coffee with her partner Arthur Moses, who was wearing a mask while waiting to collect the beverages. A NSW Government spokesman was adamant that the Premier had not broken health restrictions, implying that the angles of the snaps were misleading — but it has certainly brought about confusion over where and when masks should be worn. This is because the order only requires that masks be worn when “near” a cafe or similar outlet. The Daily Telegraph pointed out that Ms Berejiklian was standing 7.9m from the cafe and 9m from the coffee machine — and did eventually put on her mask after spotting a photographer. It has left many Sydneysiders rightly asking what is considered a breach — just when is “near” a cafe “near enough” to wear a mask? It also begs the question of what constitutes an absolute need to leave the house. “It’s important for all of us to stay at home unless we absolutely have to leave the house,” Ms Berejiklian said on Wednesday when announcing that Sydney’s lockdown would be extended. Based on the Premier’s actions, taking a wander to get a coffee is just cause to “leave the house”.