Breathing easy: Retail workers and shoppers shed masks as normalcy seems ever closer

For most Victorians, face masks were a mild inconvenience in the fight against COVID-19. But for retail worker Mia Belic, they were a necessity.

As the 18-year-old removed her mask at 6pm on Friday when the government restrictions were eased, it wasn’t just a breath of fresh air she was met with, but the feeling of freedom that comes with the gradual return to normalcy in the wake of COVID-19.

“I feel like everyone’s going to be a lot more free, in a sense, like we don’t have to wear a mask but if we choose to we can, to keep ourselves safe,” Mia said.

“I’m just gonna breathe that fresh air.”

Wearing masks for so long has a physical impact, too, Mia said.

“I noticed that would get really red. And the next day, you know, I’d be breaking out.”

As well as being forced to wear a mask for her job at Coles in Port Melbourne, she had a sibling that was immuno-compromised throughout the pandemic. Her parents fretted about her returning to work, and insisted she be diligent in keeping her mask on throughout the crisis.

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