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Publish Date: 13 October 2020
From this week, requirements for wearing facemasks in Victoria have changed. Now, whenever you leave home, you must wear a fitted facemask. This means that the facemask needs to cover the nose and mouth and is well fitted.
Scarves, bandanas and face shields without a fitted facemask underneath, are no longer considered appropriate face coverings, as they are loose fitting, and do not provide the right level of protection.
For more information on these changes, visit the Department of Health and Human Services Website: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/face-masks-vic-covid-19
Unless you have a lawful exemption, all Victorians over the age of 12 are required to wear a fitted facemask when leaving the home. Individuals who do not wear or carry a facemask and do not have a lawful reason can be fined $200.
You can still take your fitted facemask off to eat, drink or smoke, or when undertaking physical activity where you are out of breath or puffing, but you must wear your facemask at the conclusion of these activities. Make sure to wash your hands with soap and water before you put your facemask back on.
Wearing a facemask helps keep you and others safe, and will help us reach COVID Normal.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is spread from close contact with a person with coronavirus (COVID-19). Facemasks help stop droplets spreading when someone speaks, laughs, coughs, or sneezes, including someone who has coronavirus (COVID-19) but feels well.
The best way to protect other people against coronavirus (COVID-19) is keeping 1.5 metres apart, wash your hands often, and cough or sneeze into your elbow or tissue. Facemasks are an additional protective physical barrier to protect you and your loved ones.
Buloke Shire Council has received a number of reusable fitted facemasks from the Department of Health and Human Services, to give to any vulnerable members of the community at no cost to the individual.
For more information on the program and a list of eligibility criteria for these reusable facemasks, go to https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/reusable-face-masks-covid-19#who-is-determined-to-be-a-vulnerable-victorian.
If you, or anyone you know, would benefit from one of our masks and would not otherwise be able to obtain a facemask, please contact Council on 1300 520 520.
End release For further information contact Manager Customer Engagement, Travis Fitzgibbon on 03 5478 0181 or tfitzgibbon@buloke.vic.gov.au