‘Common sense’: State’s new mask move

Free N95 and KN95 masks will be handed out at various locations across the state over the next four to six weeks.Members of the public who head to a state-run Covid testing facility will get a box of 10 N95 masks.They will also be handed out through community organisations, aboriginal gatherings, disability service providers and at train stations.Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the move made “common sense” as the state passed the peak of its winter Covid wave.“Providing masks free of charge to those who need them most will help them protect themselves, their loved ones, and Victoria’s hardworking healthcare workers,” he said on Tuesday.“This all about trying to further limit and drive down even further those case numbers the hospitalisation numbers, taking pressure off our nurses, taking pressure off our ambulance workers and doctors and the whole health system.” “This just makes common sense.”Masks are not mandated in Victoria, but they are strongly recommended for indoor settings where physical distancing cannot happen, anyone with Covid symptoms or vulnerable people. Masks are still mandatory in certain high-risk settings though, including hospitals, aged care and on public transport.“We know that the advice and the evidence is really clear. If you can wear a mask please wear one, particularly when you’re indoors, particularly where you can’t social distance from other people,” Mr Andrews said.Victoria recorded 6380 new Covid cases on Tuesday, there were 673 people in hospital and 44 people died from the virus.