From Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Brett Sutton.
To help slow the increase in transmission of coronavirus, people living in and visiting metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire are required to wear a face covering whenever they leave home. If you live outside metropolitan Melbourne or Mitchell Shire – we recommend you wear a face covering when it’s difficult to keep 1.5 metres apart from others.
Face coverings provide an additional barrier to coronavirus.
The types of face coverings available include cloth masks and single-use face masks – commonly called surgical masks.
I recommend wearing a cloth face covering made of three layers of a mix of breathable fabrics to allow adequate protection. It doesn’t need to be medical quality to be effective. Cloth face coverings can be washed and reused.
Cloth face coverings are also inexpensive, simple to make and easy to use. You can buy a cloth face covering or single-use masks from shops, including chemists and hardware stores, or you can follow our instructions on how to make your own cloth face covering. If a face mask is not available other forms of face covering may be used such as a scarf or bandana.
Make sure your face covering does not have holes or a valve. This can result in breathing out the virus if you have coronavirus.
Of course, when you are eating or drinking you can remove your face covering. If you are running or cycling you can remove your face covering if it makes breathing difficult - but please, have it with you to put on once you have finished.
When it comes to those aged 3 to 12, families should make their own decisions about whether their children should wear a face covering.
But little ones – those two and under – should never wear a mask.
Some further exemptions apply – visit this website for more details.
We also need to remember: a face covering on its own is not enough to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Protect yourself, your family and the community by maintaining a physical distance of 1.5 metres from others, washing or sanitising your hands regularly,coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow; and If you are unwell, you must get tested then stay home.
Remember, if you are in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire always wear your face covering when leaving home.
Stay safe.
For more information visit https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/face-coverings-covid-19
