Coronavirus in Glebe: Why you should wear a mask

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise, many have questioned if we should wear masks or not.

With over 3000 currently active cases across the country and numbers in Victoria growing by the hundreds, it is becoming increasingly important that people follow the current health advice and make sure that they are safe. There has also been a case in Glebe recently, so we recommend that you wear a mask when you go out.

Current Recommendations

While the number of cases are low, it is important that people continue to follow the current guidelines. Currently these are:

• Stay at home if you don’t feel well

• Stay 1.5m away from others

• Get tested if you have a fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath

• Practice good hygiene by washing your hands often and after coughing or sneezing, coughing or sneezing into a bent elbow or tissue and throwing away used tissues.

While these don’t say you should wear a mask, you should definitely consider it.

Why wear a mask?

Many people are currently wearing masks when they go out as extra protection to make them feel safer, particularly in situations where it is hard to be socially distant. Many people are wearing masks while on public transport as it is difficult to avoid close contact with others. Masks provide not only personal protection from diseases but help people around us who may have preexisting health conditions. Many acknowledge that they may have diseases they are unaware of, and so chose to wear a mask, just in case they are asymptomatic.

While you don’t have to use a mask, its a good idea to wear one, especially in crowded areas.

How to use a mask safely

If you decide that it would be a good idea to use a mask, here’s how to wear it safely. Please note, you should also follow COVID-19 distancing and hygiene recommendations even when wearing a mask. These tips are also for a mask you can throw away after you’ve warn it:

1. Wash your hands before you put the mask on so that the mask and your hands are clean.

2. Make sure the mask covers your nose and mouth, otherwise it will not be effective.

3. Make sure the mask fits tightly around your chin, the bridge of your nose and the sides of your face.

4. Don’t touch the mask while you wear it.

5. If you accidentally touch the mask, wash your hands. You must wash your hands any time you touch a mask.

6. Throw the mask away after you take it off.

7. Wash your hands after taking off the mask.

8. If you want to eat, make sure you take the mask off and wash your hands first. It is not safe to pull a mask down to eat or drink.

9. If your mask gets wet or damaged, throw it away and replace it with a new one.

If you have an illness or health condition, consult your doctor before using a mask.

More Information

If you are worried about your health, call your doctor. Do not go to the doctor, call first and follow their advice.

For more COVID-19 information, you can contact the following sources:

• National Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 020 080. Open 24 hours a day.

• Disability Information Helpline on 1800 643 787 or visit www.dss.gov.au/disabilityhelp.

• For information in another language call 131 450.