Seymour Health will be distributing N95 and KN95 masks at its COVID-19 testing site as part of a Victorian Government initiative to provide free masks to the community.
The government has provided the masks to state-run testing sites, community health services and the public transport networks to help reduce transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. Masks will also be distributed through some of Victoria’s community organisations and disability service providers.
Over the next four to six weeks more than three million masks will be handed out. Every person that presents for a PCR or rapid antigen test will receive one box of 10 N95 masks.
Seymour Health received its mask delivery Friday August 12.
Director of clinical services Anne Daley says Seymour Health has already had a number of people inquiring about the N95 masks today, which would suggest they will be well received by the community.
“This is a great initiative, as N95 masks, along with good hand hygiene, are vital in preventing the spread of COVID-19,” she said.
There are 37,085 active COVID cases in Victoria, with 610 people in hospital.
Wearing a mask is recommended by health authorities if you are in an indoor setting, can’t physically distance, have any COVID symptoms, or are with people who may be vulnerable to the disease. Masks are still mandatory in high-risk settings, including hospitals, aged care and on public transport.
Masks will be available through the Seymour Health COVID-19 testing clinic. Opening hours are 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Please keep an eye on the Seymour Telegraph for updates on when the masks will be available.