General News
11 August, 2022
Government to hand out free N95 face masks
Free face masks are now on offer to vulnerable members of the community in a bid to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. On Tuesday the State Government announced more than three million masks will be handed out at state-run...
Free face masks are now on offer to vulnerable members of the community in a bid to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases.
On Tuesday the State Government announced more than three million masks will be handed out at state-run testing sites, community health services and the public transport network.
Over the next four to six weeks every person that presents for either a free rapid antigen or PCR test will receive one box of 10 N95 masks.
Locally, a Maryborough District Health Service spokesperson said the health service is looking to hand out the masks.
“At this stage, we intend to supply the N95 masks as part of this process and will inform the community when we know more,” they said.
“The health service is still waiting on more information regarding the supply of N95 masks in conjunction with rapid antigen tests (RATs).
“We already provide RATs to people with COVID-19 symptoms, or designated close contacts from the main entrance at Maryborough Hospital between 10 am and 11 am on weekdays.”
According to the State Government the N95 Masks will also be available from PTV hubs and staffed train stations while authorised officers and some V/Line conductors will carry masks with them to hand out as needed.
“Providing masks free of charge to those who need them most will help them protect themselves, their loved ones, and Victoria’s hardworking healthcare workers,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.
While not mandated, wearing a mask is strongly recommended in indoor settings where you can’t physically distance, if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, or are with people who may be vulnerable to the virus.
Masks are still mandatory in high-risk settings including hospitals, aged care and on public transport.