Mask mandate begins: Where to buy and how to use face masks in Tasmania
A Tasmanian pub owner says the state’s high Covid-19 vaccination rates should see Tasmania learning to “live with the virus”, amid the introduction of a mask mandate. LATEST>>
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TASMANIAN hospitality businesses say they are already being impacted by the indoor mask mandate, reporting cancelled bookings just days after the state’s borders reopened.
From Tuesday, people were required to wear masks indoors unless they had a medical exemption.
Tasmanian Hospitality Association chief executive Steve Old said businesses had experience a surge in bookings after the border reopened on Wednesday.
But their fortune was short- lived, with Sunday’s announcement of the new rule having the opposite effect.
“We have been taking calls all day from upset and concerned owners and operators who are seeing numerous group bookings, especially at restaurants and pubs, get cancelled,” Mr Old said.
“We understand the need to remain as safe and vigilant as possible with this virus again starting to circulate in the community, and obviously the last thing we want to see is venues plunged back into turmoil due to lockdowns or reductions in density limits.”
The owner of Glenorchy’s Paddy Wagon Irish Pub, Peter Ryan, said the introduction of the mask mandate had he and others fearing what other restrictions could come next.
“When you listen to the Premier that we are one of the highest vaccinated places on the planet and also the Prime Minister stating that our way out of this is for people to be vaccinated, when does the time come that we actually have to live with the virus?” Mr Ryan said.
“My fear from a business perspective is that the next step is we will go into a lockdown again.
“We’re struggling as an industry to recover from the early days of the pandemic.
“We’ve already copped our fair share.”
Mr Ryan said the practicality of mask-wearing in a place where food was being prepared — including chefs working in hot kitchens — and where food and drink was consumed was also difficult.
He said there had been a downturn in trade since the requirement was brought in for patrons to be vaccinated.
Premier Peter Gutwein said the mask mandate was made following the advice of public health.
“What I would say to those businesses, regardless of what Mr Old says, is that wearing masks in those businesses will help keep their staff safe, help keep their patrons safe, and importantly it will keep them open,’’ Mr Gutwein said.
Public Health Director Mark Veitch also defended the mandate.
“People working in kitchens without masks poses a risk of taking out the whole kitchen if you get one case among them, so I don’t think that’s a prudent approach for businesses to contemplate,’’ Dr Veitch said.
Mr Old said hospitality operators were of the belief the government’s confidence was “wavering”.
“The message from the government was straight forward – getting vaccinated would allow us to live as normal as possible and allow our venues to start recouping some of the huge debt they have encountered in the past two years,” he said.
“Plenty of people within the hospitality industry are now extremely frustrated and questioning why some of the requirements were introduced in the first place.”
Mr Old called for an exemption for certain workers, including kitchen staff working in hot environments.
A government spokesman said the measure was necessary to keep the community safe.
“When it comes to COVID-19, the Tasmanian Government has followed public health advice at every step and we will continue to do so,” the spokesman said.
“Indoor mask wearing has been introduced to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, as an extra step to keep our community safe.
“This is a sensible measure as we continue to adjust to living with Covid.
“Importantly, Tasmanians can still move about freely in the community and are strongly encouraged to continue to visit and support pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes, which they can do so confidently with strong safeguards in place.”
Where to buy and how to use face masks in Tassie
FROM 12.01am on Tuesday, everyone without an exemption will be required to wear face masks in indoor settings – and many locals have exercised caution and picked up the practice a day early.
Since the mandate was announced on Sunday, founder of not-for-profit Be Hers, Melody Towns, said orders for masks had been off the hook.
Her charity campaigns and raises funds to fight slavery and exploitation, and has employed refugees as seamstresses to make face masks from locally sourced materials over the past year.
“We’ve actually been pretty slow in our mask sales in the last couple of weeks with restrictions easing and we weren’t expecting to be making them,” Ms Towns said.
“Since the mandate in Tasmania was launched, the demand literally lifted overnight.
“I’ve been able to offer more hours of employment to these women because of the demand for the masks.”
In a world of single-use and mass-produced masks, Ms Towns urged Tasmanians to buy from Be Hers or ethical local makers.
The funds raised from purchasing the charity’s masks help employ local refugees and fund efforts against human trafficking.
“You’re helping local women in need, which is super important in the fight against slavery,” Ms Towns said.
Masks should fit securely and cover the mouth and nose, according to the Department of Health website.
“You can use either disposable single-use face masks or reusable cloth masks,” the website reads.
“A scarf or bandana is not considered an appropriate face mask.”
Cloth masks are more likely to be effective if they are made up of three or more layers of fabric.
The Health Department advises against wearing a surgical or paper mask more than once and suggests having at least two cloth masks so a clean option is always handy.
Dispose of surgical masks in the bin, keep used masks in a plastic bag until they can be washed, and carry clean masks in a clean bag, the Health Department has said.
“Don’t reuse the same mask to go home that you used on the trip to a location,” the website reads.
“Reusing a cloth mask without washing it is risky, it can become contaminated or may not be as effective in protecting you.”
Importantly, remember to wash or sanitise your hands after handling a used mask.
For more mask safety tips visit coronavirus.tas.gov.au
Tasmanian-owned businesses stocking face masks
Be Hers
These masks can be delivered via post, with the option for express postage, or picked up locally.
The designs range from plain, neutral tones to vibrant patterns.
Face masks are typically $19, plus $8.95 standard and $12.95 express post.
More information at behers.org.au
Tassie Face Mask Project
Flourishing Communities Inc. established this project last year to supply surgical-grade masks in healthcare settings.
The initiative has since grown to supply vulnerable Tasmanians.
Locals are encouraged to sew and donate cloth masks to the cause, or purchase their own masks from the Tassie Face Mask Project, with funds raised going back into the service.
Sewers are encouraged to donate masks to collection points in the South at Salvation Army Kingborough, 9am-3pm Tuesday-Thursday, or at the Salvation Army state office, 8.30am-4.30pm on weekdays.
In the North, donate masks to Salvation Army Ulverstone, 9am-12pm Wednesday-Thursday, and by arrangement in the Launceston area.
Individuals can shop online and not-for-profits can request masks via the Tassie Face Masks website.
Masks are $10 each, plus $8.50 for regular post and $11.50 for express.
More information at tassiefacemasks.com.au
Island Seamstress
A local brand known for creating quality, durable garments has entered the mask realm.
Island Seamstress is selling large, small and kids’ sized masks in vibrant patterns and simple colours.
The masks are available to buy from Level 1, 100 Elizabeth St, Hobart and are sometimes sold at Salamanca Market.
Inquire about masks on 0437 402 065 or visit their website for more information islandseamstress.com.au
Find Your Feet
Sturdy, simply designed masks are available from this Tasmanian athletics and outdoor equipment retail company.
Founded by Hobart-based orienteer and former World Championship gold medallist Hanny Allston, Find Your Feet is offering face masks from retail outlets in Hobart and Launceston and online.
The extra-small, small and large masks are made from stretch knit fabric with a three-layer material barrier and cost $14.95.
Masks can be ordered online to be delivered by post for $7.95 standard and $19.95 express, or picked up from the stores at 107 Elizabeth St, Hobart, and 23 Kingsway, Launceston.
More information at findyourfeet.com.au
TasWeld
TasWeld doesn’t just sell durable workers’ safety masks, but also offers a range of disposable masks and valved face coverings ranging from $7-15.
Stores are across the state at 1 Hale St, Derwent Park, 4 Robertson St, Invermay, and 32 Reeves St, South Burnie.
Retail outlets can be checked for availability, or masks can be bought via tasweld.com.au
Masks can also be purchased from chemists and pharmacies, or from national or international retailers online.
Other retailers include: Officeworks, Bunnings, Kmart, Chemist Warehouse and Dick Smith.
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