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Updated: 14 August 2020 04:00pm
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From 11:59pm on 5 August, new business restrictions and the Permitted Worker Scheme are in place across metropolitan Melbourne. Stage 4 restrictions apply in metropolitan Melbourne. Stage 3 restrictions apply across regional Victoria. Find out more about restrictions currently in place throughout Victoria.
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How to safely wear a face covering
30 July 2020
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Brett Sutton explains how to safely wear a face covering.
To protect ourselves and our friends and family from coronavirus, everyone needs to know how to safely wear a face covering. You can wear a single use mask – like a surgical mask – or a reusable cloth one, as long as the mask doesn’t have any vents or holes. If a face mask is not available, you can also use a scarf or bandana.
Before you put on your covering – wash or sanitise your hands. Make sure your covering is not damaged or dirty. Take your clean, unused mask by the ear loops or strings. Put them over your ears, or tie them behind your head, and make sure your mask is completely covering your nose, mouth and chin. Make sure there are no gaps.
The front of your face covering is protecting you from coronavirus. Be careful not to touch the front of the covering, and if you accidentally do, you need to wash or sanitise your hands.
Every time you touch it, every time you adjust it, every time you pull it down You might be spreading the virus onto your fingers, neck and maybe even your face.
That’s why it’s so important not to touch it. When you’re wearing a face covering, don’t pull it down around your chin or neck.
When you’re ready to remove your mask, wash or sanitise your hands. Unloop the ties. Or if your mask has strings – undo the bottom strings first.
Pull the mask away from your face.
And remember – don’t touch the front of the mask. If it’s a single use mask, you should throw it in the rubbish bin. If it’s a reusable mask, put it straight into the laundry – or a sealed bag. And once you’re done removing your mask wash your hands again.
They’re other things we need to remember to do: Keeping 1.5 metres apart from others, washing our hands regularly, sneezing or coughing into our elbow and if you have symptoms, please get tested and then stay home.
Thanks for your help. We can’t do this without you.
Victoria has recorded 372 new cases of coronavirus since yesterday, with the total number of cases now at 16,234.
Victoria has recorded 278 new cases of coronavirus since yesterday, with the total number of cases now at 15,863.
Victoria has recorded 410 new cases of coronavirus since yesterday, with the total number of cases now at 15,646.
Coronavirus self-assessment
Use our interactive self-assessment tool to understand the risks and precautions you need to take based on your personal circumstances.