Customers in Greater Sydney shopping instore will no longer be required to wear masks, despite the fact the ‘missing link’ case has yet to be found, according to NSW Health.

In an announcement revealing the extension of most of the city’s restrictions, NSW Health said as of Monday 10th, shoppers are no longer required to wear face masks – though public-facing retail staff must continue to do so.

The decision has been blasted by trade union Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association, with NSW secretary Bernie Smith stating retail workers deserve to be protected, not put at risk.

“Masks play an important role in protecting the community from the spread of Covid-19 – the Government can’t deny that,” said Smith.

“The infected case in Sydney recently visited a whole range of shops and it’s a reminder about why we must stay vigilant. Retail workers are at the frontline of the pandemic working day in and day out to keep the economy working.

“[They] are more than happy to do the right thing and wear their masks – but we want the community to do the same too. Now is not the time to be relaxing mask wearing rules for shoppers.”