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Mask makers discuss how masks are made & the benefits of use PAGE 1-2
BY ANNIE LEWIS he government has issued a “strong recommendation” that people wear masks in four vital circumstances, as the NSW premier warns that the state is in a “critical” stage. On Sunday, Gladys Berejiklian urged for residents to use face masks on public transport and in supermarkets amid fears the state remains at risk of Victorian cases spreading. Wearing masks will not be mandatory, but Ms Berejiklian said: “it is a strong recommendation from Health, given where we are in the pandemic, given the risk posed from Victoria and given the rate of community transmission in NSW.” The four key areas people should wear masks are in enclosed spaces
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(such as public transport), if they work in a customer-facing role (such as hospitality or retail), if they attend a place of worship, or if they are in an area where there is high community transmission. Abrar Chughtai, an Epidemiologist from the University of New South Wales, said that masks are crucial in helping to stop the spread, particularly as people with coronavirus can be asymptomatic. He explained that the state is “now at the border” and it’s about doing our part to keep the community safe. “In NSW either we can control it, or we will be in the same situation we see in Melbourne now,” Dr Chughtai said. “If we have effective intervention available, then why don’t we use it? I would urge people to wear masks for
the safety of those around them.” Dr Chughtai said that surgical, one-use masks are generally considered to be better quality. Still, cloth masks will do the job and ensure there is enough supply of the surgical masks for health workers and other critical areas. He added that it was essential to wash hands with soap and water before putting on and after removing the mask. “Avoid touching your mask when using it and assume there could be a virus on both sides of the mask,” Dr Chughtai said. “Wash your reusable mask every time you take it off.” Dr Chughtai said there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing or sewing a cloth mask to use.
“Find one that uses two or three layers of fabric,” he said. “Choose a fabric with a high thread count; in layman’s terms do not choose one that is see-through. “Make sure it fits well around the face and covers the nose and chin.” On Monday, NSW Labor called for face masks to be mandatory on public transport, in supermarkets and shopping centres and places of worship. The Premier’s mask recommendation isn’t an instruction,” said NSW Labor Leader Jodi McKay. “It doesn’t convey the severity of the situation. NSW needs clear directions to keep people safe and keep businesses open. Continued on page 2