Cloth masks may be quickly becoming a thing of the past. 

The Government's new rules around mask wearing come into effect next Thursday.  

Face coverings will have to be an actual mask as opposed to scarves, bandanas or T-shirts pulled up over the face. 

They'll be required in all food and drink venues, close-proximity businesses, events and gatherings. 

Any workers covered by a vaccine mandate will be required to wear a surgical-grade or N95 mask. 

Auckland University aerosol chemist Joel Rindelaub told Tim Dower Omicron is making cloth masks redundant. 

“A thin cloth mask isn’t really going to save you, so these new guidelines are just trying to keep everyone healthy and safe.” 

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