The wearing of a mask as a way to reduce community transmissions of coronavirus has been debated since the outbreak of the pandemic.Victoria has now announced wearing face masks will be mandatory in the State’s worst-hit coronavirus areas from 11:59pm on Wednesday July 22.
Anyone in Greater Melbourne or Mitchell Shire caught without a mask or face covering will be fined $200.
“It need to stress it not be a hospital-grade mask, it not be one of the handmade masks like I was wearing when I came in today. It can be a scarf, it can be a homemade mask.” Premier Daniel Andrews said announcing the measure.
For everyday interactions, cloth face masks work to create a barrier between your face and potential COVID-19 carrying particles. This combined with other personal hygiene measures like washing your hands with soap for 20 seconds, using antibacterial hand sanitiser and coughing or sneezing into your elbow can greatly reduce the spread.
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HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR CLOTH FACEMASKS?
When it comes to maintaining the effectiveness of your mask, physician Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider told CBSN that cloth masks should “ideally be washed after every use in a washing machine”.
“Be really careful to not touch your eyes, or your nose, or your mouth when you’re taking off your mask, and then of course, wash your hands immediately afterwards,” she said.
People should also watch out for stretching and signs of wear and tear, she added.
“If you’ve been wearing your mask for a while and you have holes in it or it’s stretched out and it’s no longer covering your nose and your mouth, it needs to be thrown away.”
READ MORE: Follow our rolling coronavirus coverage
With COVID-19 still a prevalent threat in the community, if you’re looking for some extra peace of mind, here are 10 reusable mask options to consider.
Dangerfield, Face Mask in Assorted Colours, $15 (currently $12). Also available in black as a multi-pack of five for $75 (currently $50)
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Cotton On, Foundation Face Mask, $9.99
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Etsy, Homemade Face Mask with filter pocket, $14.20 (20 per cent off when buying four or more masks). Also available in a range of other prints.
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Boohoo, Face Mask in Blue Ditsy Print, $6
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Everlane, The 100% Human Face Mask 5-Pack, $37
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ASOS Design, 2 Pack Face Covering in Brown and Ecru, $24
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Anna Lopez, Indigo Blues Cotton Face Mask, $34.65
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Bonds, Face Mask, $9.95
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Hype Exclusive, Two Pack Face Covering with Adjustable Straps in Mixed Print, $36
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Nasty Gal, To My Face Paisley Fashion Face Mask, $7.20
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Uncommon Goods, 3-D Knit Face Mask, $43.31
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