26 September 2023

Health makes marks with mask sheet

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The Department of Health has released a factsheet explaining when people should wear a facemask to protect themselves and the community from COVID-19.

The Department said wearing a mask could help protect individuals and those around them if they were in an area with community transmission and physical distancing was not possible, like on public transport.

“This is the situation in parts of Victoria,” the Department said.

“The advice about wearing masks in the community has been the same since the pandemic began: it is not generally recommended,” it said.

“However, if you are in a region where community transmission is occurring, you should take extra precautions, in some circumstances.”

In its factsheet, the Department said the chance of coming into contact with someone with COVID-19 was low.

“The main value of wearing a mask is to protect other people,” it said.

“If the person wearing the mask is unknowingly infected, wearing a mask will reduce the chance of them passing the virus on to others.”

It said physical distancing was the most important measure for people at increased risk of severe COVID-19 because of their older age or chronic illness.

“If you cannot maintain physical distance, wearing a mask is an important protective measure.”

The Department’s factsheet also provides guidance on how to wear a mask properly, including sanitising hands before touching the mask and putting it on.

The one-page fact sheet can be accessed at this PS News link.

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