COVID-19: Face coverings mandatory for Melbourne and Mitchell Shire

face coverings will be mandatory for all residents including high school students and office workers in Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire whenever they leave their homes. The rule will be enforced from 11.59pm on Wednesday night. Anyone who fails to wear a mask could be fined $200. (Reference)

1. The most important thing is that the mask or face covering covers your mouth and nose and is snug. It needs to cover your airways so do not bring it down to the chin or forehead.
2. Make sure there are no holes in the mask.
3. Don't touch the outside of the mask and make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before you put it on and after you take it off. While wearing do not touch your mouth and once you have removed it wash or discard.

Where can you buy a mask?

You can buy disposable single-use masks at chemists, supermarkets or purchase online. 

How does a mask help?

Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said masks do not completely stop the transmission of COVID-19. However, masks reduce the chance of transmission by up to 80 per cent. The more close-fitting the better protection a face covering offers. (Reference)

 

Continues to stay 1.5 metres away from others wherever possible and wash hands frequently with soaps or hand sanitisers.

Stay home. Stay safe.