Dr Vicki Kotsirilos, Associate Professor with the NICM Health Research Institute at Western Sydney University, has appealed to the Hawkesbury community to wear masks when social distancing is not possible, to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
"In NSW the health authorities are not making masks mandatory. However, this was the situation in Victoria a month ago, and had we been wearing masks earlier, it might have actually prevented the spike we're currently having in Victoria," Dr Kotsirilos told the Gazette from her workplace in Victoria on Friday.
She recommends masks should be worn in public areas where a safe physical distance of at least 1.5 metres is not possible - including in supermarkets, and on public transport.
"A mask is not a replacement for physical distance, appropriate hand hygiene, and sneezing and cough etiquette - it must be used in combination with these three recommendations by the health authorities," she said.
She said there are two types of masks available to the public: surgical disposable masks available in pharmacies and post offices, and cloth masks.
Dr Kotsirilos promotes the use of cloth masks above disposable masks, as cloth masks are better for the environment and recyclable.
However, there are World Health Organisation guidelines about how the cloth masks should be made; they should include three layers of closely-woven fabric - cotton on the inside, a cotton blend in the middle and polyester as the outer layer as it's more difficult for droplets to penetrate the fabric - and fit snugly around the face.
Care should be taken when putting on and taking off the mask to avoid touching the outer and inner surface of the mask, she said, adding that cloth masks should be washed every day in hot water and detergent - as hot water above 56 degrees Celsius can kill the virus.
"If cloth or surgical masks are not available, you can use a scarf or a bandanna or a long scarf you wrap around your nose and mouth up to your upper chest," Dr Kotsirilos said.
"The more people wear masks, the less the COVID transmission will occur.
"We know that 80 per cent of people who might be harbouring COVID-19 have no symptoms or have very mild symptoms so they don't know they have the virus.
"So I would encourage the community to wear masks in crowded places, to prevent a spike in COVID infections.
"The three things - keeping a 1.5 metre distance, appropriate hand hygiene, and sneezing and cough etiquette - help, but when you're in crowded areas the masks provide more reassurance.
"Masks are your first line to prevent COVID from spreading to others, and to prevent you from catching it from someone else."
Sarah Falson
Daily Liberal journalist. I love telling people's stories. Get in touch at sarah.falson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Daily Liberal journalist. I love telling people's stories. Get in touch at sarah.falson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
