Mandatory Face Coverings in parts of Victoria
The Victorian Government has issued the following order to people living in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire.
Everyone over the age of 12 will now be required to wear a face covering when leaving home for one of the four permitted reasons.
This order will be enforced from 11.59pm on Wednesday 22 July 2020. People who do not comply will face a $200 fine. The Victorian Government has acknowledged that in some circumstances, wearing a mask may be impractical, however everyone is expected to carry a mask or face covering for use whenever practical. More info here.
The Victorian Government has made mask wearing mandatory based on the latest health advice and due to the level of community transmission occurring in these areas.
Community transmission is when the virus spreads from person to person locally within Australia and is harder to trace.
The COVIDSafe app helps with contact tracing in these situations. New research has shown that face coverings do assist in mitigating the spread of the virus, particularly in the incubation period or when the virus is asymptomatic.
Surgical MasksA disposable, layered fluid resistant barrier that medical personnel typically wear in hospitals. Disposal These masks should be disposed after 2-6 hours of use, safely into a bin, or immediately after it becomes damp or dirty. Preferred use General use outside home when other coverings are not available. | 
N95 / P2 / KN95 MasksA thicker mask with a denser filter designed to fit securely around your face. Comes in a range of types with varying degrees of effectiveness, but typically higher degree of particle filtration than other masks. Disposal These masks should be disposed after daily use, safely into a bin, or immediately after it becomes damp or dirty. Preferred use When undertaking work in high frequency areas or in close contact with other people whilst performing certain work tasks. |
Reusable / Cloth MasksActs as a physical barrier. Comes in a wide range of varieties and filtration effectiveness depends on how the mask has been made. Multiple layers and 100% cotton are better. Cleaning Should be washed after each use in a washing machine. Mask should be replaced when it gets dirty or wet and stored safely until it can be washed. Preferred use General use outside the home and preferable to surgical masks as they can be reused. | 
Other Face CoveringsSuch as scarves or bandanas. These act as a physical barrier but are not designed to do so. These are only recommended when no other mask is available. They can't be worn on site. Cleaning Should be washed after each use in a washing machine. Mask should be replaced when it gets dirty or wet and stored safely until it can be washed. Preferred use Can be used when no other alternatives are available. |
Hutchies has been able to procure a range of mask supplies for use at work. These will be provided to all Hutchies’ company members who require them as soon as possible.
A variety of masks have been distributed to sites already. Please contact Candece prior when and if you require more stock.
Reusable masks are also being made and will be sent as soon as they are available. Ideally, when these are ready, each person will have their own set of resuable masks that can be rotated each day so we can eliminate the need for disposable stock. In the meantime, Hutchies has disposable stock available. Subcontractors should procure their own masks for each of their workers but can request some from Hutchies if they require them urgently.
Cover UpMake sure your mouth, nose and chin are covered by the mask, leaving no gaps on the sides if possible. | 
Avoid TouchingTry not to touch the mask while wearing it, or removing it unnecessarily, throughout the day, as it may be contaminated. |
Clean HandsWash your hands before putting on a mask, and before and after removing a mask. Remote it using the straps only. | 
Dispose SafelyIf the mask is visibly dirty or wet, it should be disposed of safely (do not leave it around), or contained in a zip lock bag until it can be washed. |