Face Masks Now Mandatory in Regional Victoria|Business Greater Hamilton

As recently announced by Premier Daniel Andrews, from 11:59pm on Sunday the 2nd of August all Victorians, including those in regional Victoria, will be required to wear a face mask whenever they leave their home. Face masks have been mandatory in Melbourne and the Mitchell shire for a week now, and with cases continuing to rise across Victoria the Premier has bought in mandated face masks across the state as a measure to better protect the community and reduce transmission.

In light of this announcement, we’ve compiled a little bit of information on the do’s and don’ts of mask wearing and shone the light on some locals who have put their creative hands to work making masks, so we can all support each other during these times.

Click here to source a mask from one of our local businesses

Why wear a mask?

Face masks help to protect a wearer’s nose and mouth from contact with droplets, splashes and sprays that may contain COVID-19 particles as well as trapping droplets released when the wearer talks, coughs or sneezes, thus preventing the spread of the virus from the wearer to others. A mask will also discourage the wearer from touching their mouth and nose area while out in public, preventing virus particles that may be on the hands from entering the body through the mouth and nose.

What to look for when buying a reusable face mask

Look for a mask that’s triple layered (water resistant outer layer, blended middle layer, water-absorbing cotton inner layer)
The mask should fit snugly to cover your nose and mouth without gaps
Make sure it has no holes or a valve
The mask should allow for breathing without restriction
It should fit comfortably so you do not feel the need to touch and adjust it

How you need to clean your mask

DHHS say that cloth masks should be washed in the washing machine with other clothes, or hand-washed using soap and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth.

Whether you have a reusable fabric mask or a single use surgical mask, do not wear it if it becomes damp. Masks can become contaminated or lose their effectiveness if they are damp, wet, damaged or dirty. DHHS recommends washing your mask every day, making sure it is completely dry before using it again.

How do I wear a mask correctly?

How to make your own mask:

For those who would rather purchase a mask, we’ve collated a list of locals currently hand making masks:

Darcy Hetherton

Busting to somehow help amid the corona virus lockdown, local boy Darcy Hetherton has put his hands to work hand making masks. Coming in a variety of colours and patterns, Darcy’s masks are 4 layers and for every face mask sold Darcy is kindly donating $1 to the Western District Health Service to help out during these trying times. Pop into The Hamilton Hamper in Gray Street to grab one, or Darcy can be contacted directly on 0424 769 213.

2 Adorable

Local mum and daughter, Trish and Isabel Hurley from 2 Adorable have also taken the opportunity to use their creative skills for good, extending their range of homemade crafts to include face masks. Their masks are three layers and come in a wide variety of colours and patterns as well as being reversible. The masks come in three sizes – small for roughly 9 year olds and under, medium for 9-12 year olds and large for adults. A special feature on these masks for the kids is the adjustable behind the head strap to avoid irritating their ears and ensuring a perfect fit to prevent touching. Message 2 Adorable on Facebook or get in contact via 0411 197 222 to get your hands on one of their masks.

My One Brown Mouse

Due to such a high level of interest local lady Kerry Brown from My One Brown Mouse has added social distancing face masks to her range. Handmade and recyclable the masks are 3 layers, coming in a variety of colours and patterns including plain black. Pick up one of Kerry’s masks at Meg Jackson Hair Stylist in Stephen Street or from Kristy at Health on Gray in Gray Street. My One Brown Mouse masks are also available online at www.myonebronwmouse.com.au or via Facebook.

JK Customs, Hamilton

A local with a 3D printer and an idea, Josh Keating from JK Customs has designed and created clips which help keep the elastic from face masks off your ears after realising that wearing face masks for periods of time would lead to some pain and discomfort especially for front line workers wearing masks as a part of their work. A great idea, the clips sits on the back of your head, holding onto the elastic which would normally sit on around your ears. Send Josh a message on Facebook or email him at joshkeating85@dodo.com