Reusable face masks for COVID-19 Australians can buy
Australians are slowly adjusting to wearing face masks as new rules come into play across the country. These are some of the best reusable masks to buy.
Face masks will soon become a social norm in Australia as they are mandatory across Victoria, regardless of where people live, and recommended in other states.
Premier Daniel Andrews extended the requirement to wear face coverings to regional Victorians, starting Monday, August 3. Face masks have been mandatory in Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire for a week.
Meanwhile in NSW, Premier Gladys Berejiklian introduced new mask recommendations — they should be worn when physical distancing is hard to maintain such as on public transport or in supermarkets, and at places of worship — but they are not compulsory.
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.
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.”
WHERE CAN YOU BUY MASKS FROM?
While reusable masks are better value in the long run, if you’re caught short while out or need a mask quickly, most major retailers are now selling disposable masks.
Aldi is selling masks at its supermarkets nationally. Woolworths is selling disposable masks in Victoria, however they are subject to availability and there is a limit of one pack per customer.
Coles has disposable masks for sale in NSW and Victorian stores as well as online. They will have stock available in Queensland in the coming days.
Most pharmacies, including Chemist Warehouse, Priceline and Amcal sell disposable surgical masks individually or in value packs.
Bunnings also sell heavy duty P2 and KN95 masks, which are more effective at blocking particles, however, there is a temporary purchase limit of 50 masks per customer.
Target, Big W and Kmart are selling disposable surgical masks via their websites and in store, however, you may need to check if your closest store has stock.
Many big name retailers such as The Iconic are now selling reusable masks too, as does jewellery and accessories brand Lovisa.
Meanwhile new brands Breathe Easy Australia and Clear Collective are selling a range of reusable masks via their websites.
With face masks now a mandatory part of Victoria’s fight against COVID-19, here are 14 reusable mask options.
Everlane, The 100% Human Face Mask 5-Pack, $37
Etsy, Rosewater Face Mask with Filter Pocket by KandiesWorld, $22 (includes two filters)
Etsy, Reusable Cotton Face Mask (assorted fabrics) by MeeniMe, $12
Collusion, Unisex Two Pack Face Covering with Print in Black, $20
Boohoo, Face Mask in Blue Ditsy Print, $6
ASOS Design, 2 Pack Face Covering in Brown and Ecru, $24
Reiss, Reusable 4-layered Fabric Face Mask, $20
Etsy, Face Mask with Filter Pocket by FairyBreadBaby, $34.95
Hype, Three-pack Face Covering with Adjustable Straps in Mixed Print, $50
ASOS Design, 5 Pack Face Covering in Neutral Tones, $32
Anna Lopez, Indigo Blues Cotton Face Mask, $34.65
Hype Exclusive, Two Pack Face Covering with Adjustable Straps in Mixed Print, $36
Nasty Gal, To My Face Paisley Fashion Face Mask, $7.20
Uncommon Goods, 3-D Knit Face Mask, $43.31
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