Free masks for the vulnerable

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Eligible Cardinia Shire residents can access free masks from a number of local pharmacies and stores across the shire.

The State Government initiative is designed to protect vulnerable community members during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as help reduce the spread of infection across the community.

People eligible for free masks include those with chronic and complex conditions that increase risk of infection, people who are homeless, in insecure housing or living in high density housing such as residential facilities or public housing, Aborigines, and people living with disability or mental illness.

Carers of vulnerable people, such as those with mental illness or disability, are also eligible under the program.

Community members who meet the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) eligibility criteria can collect an allocation of single-use face masks from a number of locations across the shire..

Reusable face masks will also become available through the program soon.

Cardinia Shire Council mayor Jeff Springfield said the initiative would help some of the shire’s most vulnerable community members.

“The program is a positive step towards protecting our community members who may become very ill with coronavirus, or who might not be able to source a face covering,” Cr Springfield said.

“Supporting vulnerable Victorians and our essential health workers at this time is crucial.

“Council is proud to be part of this initiative, and we thank the local businesses involved for helping to provide this important service.”

DHHS advise that it’s very important for everyone’s health that single-use masks are not used more than once, and that reusable masks are washed after each time they are worn.

Anyone without access to masks is urged to visit one of the collection points to obtain their free masks – and those who know someone in this situation are encouraged to let them know about this program.

Residents are reminded to dispose of single-use face masks and gloves in their household rubbish bin.

For a list of local businesses distributing the masks: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.