General News
24 August, 2022
TMHS offers free N95 masks
TERANG and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS) has secured a large supply of N95 masks to help combat the spread of COVID-19 in the region.
TERANG and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS) has secured a large supply of N95 masks to help combat the spread of COVID-19 in the region.
TMHS received a larger shipment of masks last Friday which will now be distributed to members of the community, free of charge, in partnership with the Victorian Government.
Terang and Mortlake Health Service health promotion officer Steven Park encouraged locals to visit either the Josie Black Community Health Centre in Terang or the Mortlake Community Health Centre.
“During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of emphasis was on surfaces and hand sanitisation,” he said.
“While that’s very important still, further evidence is showing mask wearing is one of the most significant factors in stopping the spread.
“COVID-19 is a aerosols, meaning it is an airborne virus. You can think of it like smoke, for example the longer one is in a smoky room the more chance they will get smoke particle on them that is diffusing through the air.
“This is one of the reasons masks remain mandatory in certain settings, such as when visiting hospitals or health services. These N95 masks are better than many of the standard masks people wear because they have a finer particle filter and fit very close to the face.”
The shipment of N95 masks has been distributed to hospitals and health services across the state to help combat future rises in cases, according to Mr Park.
“The Government started this initiative to help distribute masks at a state-wide level,” he said.
“Some health centres and hospitals across Victoria opted to be part of the distribution.
“We’ve got a lot of masks so we’ve gone around to local businesses in the region offering boxes for people to give away to friends and family, and a lot of people have been very receptive.
“In the last week we have already donated over 2000 maks to local community organisations and businesses to try keep people safe in this period.”
Anyone in the community is welcome to grab some masks from individuals, businesses and community groups.
Older residents are encouraged to stock up on N95 masks as COVID-19 has predominantly impacted those over the age of 65.
A limit of three boxes per person is in place but people are welcome to get more if more are needed.
“For example if getting masks on behalf of someone else or for businesses to distribute to employees or to themselves or to themselves serve as a distribution point,” Mr Park said.
“Just getting people adequate supplies to combat COVID-19 is the most important thing.
“The N95 masks are a higher grade mask.
“Inherently the masks are more secure, and more firm on the face, which helps to stop the spread of COVID-19.”
