In case you missed it, The Andrews Labor Government will provide free N95 and KN95 masks to protect the community and help reduce transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases.
Announced on Tuesday, August 9, Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas revealed that more than three million masks will be handed out to the community through our state-run testing sites, community health services across Victoria and across the public transport network.
Over the next four to six weeks every person that presents for either a free rapid antigen or PCR test will receive one box of 10 N95 masks, along with instructions on how best to wear them to reduce transmission.
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Masks will also be distributed through some of Victoria’s community organisations including at multicultural, multi-faith events and Aboriginal gatherings as well as through a number of disability service providers.
In addition, more masks will be available from PTV hubs and staffed train stations while authorised officers and some V/Line conductors will carry masks with them to hand out as needed.
We know the drill: wearing a face mask can help protect you, those around you – and importantly, Victoria’s hardworking healthcare workers. Face masks can stop viruses spreading in the air when people talk, cough, sneeze and laugh, which lowers the chance of spreading or catching COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases.
Currently, wearing a mask is strongly recommended – not mandatory – if you are in an indoor setting, can’t physically distance, have any COVID-19 symptoms, or are with people who may be vulnerable to COVID-19. Masks are, however, still mandatory in high-risk settings including hospitals, aged care and on public transport.
“Providing masks free of charge to those who need them most will help them protect themselves, their loved ones, and Victoria’s hardworking healthcare workers,” Andrews says.
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You can read the announcement here.
