Face Masks

At various times there will be a legal requirement to wear a mask when you leave your home.

The main value of wearing a mask is to protect other people. If used correctly, masks may prevent sick people from infecting others. This is of particular importance because many patients with COVID-19 have NO symptoms or very mild symptoms.

Wearing a face mask is also a very community-minded and selfless practice which can help to protect you and others around you.

Single-use Masks

Use masks made with a non-woven, melt blown polypropylene layer. Don’t use masks with holes or a valve, as you will breathe out the virus if you have COVID-19.

Be aware of fake masks and only purchase single use masks from reputable retail outlets including chemists, supermarkets and other shops. As a health care worker if you require a medical-grade mask you should only wear compliant masks.

Instructions on how to put on/wear/take off your disposable mask

https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/face-masks

Reusable Cloth Masks & Face Coverings

Cloth masks are effective in reducing transmission of COVID-19 to other people when they are made and worn correctly.

To ensure adequate protection, cloth masks should have at least 3 layers of fabric:

1. The outer layer should be a water-resistant polyester or polypropylene fabric such as a reusable supermarket bags (not plastic) or exercise clothing
2. The middle layer should be high-grade cotton (such as bed sheets), polycotton (such as quilting fabric or a t-shirt)
3. The inner layer should be high-grade cotton (such as bed sheets) or polycotton (such as quilting fabric or a t-shirt).

You will need more than one reusable mask as cloth masks are less effective when damp. Cloth masks should be washed after each use or at least daily. Reusing a cloth mask without washing it can lead to self-contamination and infection of the person wearing it.

How to make a reusable cloth mask

Follow the instructions from NSW Health for making a cloth mask.

These instructions are in line with advice from the Australian Government’s Infection Control Expert Group

Hand Hygeine

The most effective way to stop the spread of infection is having good hand hygeine. This means either washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol based hand sanitiser.

It is important to wash your hands following:

1. Coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose

2. After going to the toilet or changing a nappy

3. Entering and leaving a healthcare facility

4. Prior, during and after food preperation

5. When your hands are visibly dirty

6. When caring for people who are sick

Germs cannot  be seen on your skin, so maintaining good hand hygiene stops the spread without even realising.

https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/Files/Corporate/general%20documents/Infectious%20diseases/PDF/Coronavirus/How%20to%20Wash%20Hands%20Poster.pdf