Reusable masks for vulnerable Victorians now rolled out
An order of 2.1 million masks that can be washed and re-worn has arrived in the hands of authorities and are now being distributed to key groups and businesses. Here’s how you can your hands on one if you’re in need.
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The first of millions of reusable masks to be used by vulnerable Victorians will be rolled out from today, with local councils, pharmacies and other services to hand them out to those in need.
An order of 2.1 million masks that can be washed and re-worn has arrived in the hands of authorities and is now being distributed to key groups and businesses.
Among those eligible for the masks are vulnerable people and Aboriginal Victorians.
Anyone who is a member of a workforce that is in contact with these groups, through government-funded services, is also eligible.
Vulnerable Victorians looking to pick up a reusable mask will need to visit nearby community health centres or pharmacies while some doctor’s offices may also assist with the effort to roll them out.
Local council organisations and other groups that deliver to these groups will also assist with bringing masks to those who cannot leave their home.
This include disability providers, home care services, and mental health support.
There is no way to order your own individual mask by calling or contacting the Department of Health and Human Service.
Victorians who do not qualify for the free reusable masks have been urged to use purchase masks from stores, make their own or use face covering alternatives such as scarfs or bandannas.
Premier Daniel Andrews on Tuesday said the message was simple.
“Please wear a mask,” he said.
“Thank you to all of those, the vast majority of people who are.”
Mr Andrews said face covering to protecting everyday Victorians and the essential workers such as police who needed to move around Melbourne.
“This is very, very challenging work,” he said.
“I think they’re equal to it and if you value them, if you recognise the work they do, their skill, their courage, their care (and) their compassion, wear a mask, follow the rules and we will not only honour them, but we will get to the other side of this quicker.”
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said specialists were working to make sure facilities across the nation had the protective equipment they needed to prevent further spread of coronavirus.
“I also want to thank the Australians – but especially at this moment the Victorian public,” he said.
“Their diligence on mask-wearing, their focus on distancing, the difficult actions of staying at home other than for the four reasons, all of these things are helping Victoria to embark upon and then, ultimately, to achieve the goal of flattening that curve.
“There’s more work to be done, but there is progress that is being made, real progress, lifesaving progress.”