Looking to make your own mask? Wondering what the guidelines are for wearing them? We've got you covered.
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Horsham mum and writer Yolande Grosser has created a video demonstrating how to make a face mask in no time.
Mrs Grosser said she has always loved sewing and was inspired to make face masks after visiting the fabric store Spotlight.
"I started with one for a girlfriends' son in Melbourne and gave one to a teen who was struggling to breathe in a plastic mask last week," she said.
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"Friends passed on information about improvements, which are happening all the time, and I kept finding cute new fabrics I wanted to use.
"I've made some for my daughters, but as they can all make their own, I now have quite an extensive collection kicking around the house."
She said her advice to anyone wanting to have a go at making a face mask was to "just do it".
"It's going to be hard to find elastic thin enough to use, but if you save the elastic off a disposable mask, you will find it quite comfortable," she said.
"Always compliment other people on their lovely face masks, because it's a difficult thing to wear them and we all feel a little bit down about it. So be courageous and kind."
Centre for Participation English language student Phuong Dung Ha started making face masks to help protect her family and friends during the pandemic.
In 2019, Ms Ha joined the Harmony Sewing Group at Horsham Library and started making her own masks at the beginning of the pandemic in March.
"I have a sewing machine at home and when I have free time I make things for my family," she said.
"When coronavirus occurred, I was making masks for just my family, and then my friends asked me to make some for them.
"I wanted to provide protection for my family and friends and make them available to everyone."
Why should I wear a face covering?
From 11:59pm on Sunday August 2, every person living in Victoria must wear a face covering when they leave home.
The Department of Health and Human Services said wearing a face covering helps prevent the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings provide an additional physical barrier and help reduce community transmission.
COVID-19 is spread from close contact with a person with COVID-19. Face coverings help stop droplets spreading when someone speaks, laughs, coughs, or sneezes, including someone who has COVID-19 but feels well.
The best way to protect other people against COVID-19 is keeping 1.5 metres apart, wash your hands often, and cough or sneeze into your elbow or tissue. Face coverings are an additional protective physical barrier to protect you and your loved ones.
When do I have to wear a face covering?
You must wear a face covering when you are leaving your home unless you have a lawful reason for not doing so. It must be worn when travelling on public transport, or with people outside of your household. You are not required to wear a face covering when driving with someone from your household, or if you are driving for work purposes on your own.
There are also instructions on how to make a mask on the Department of Health and Human Services website.
Source: Department of Health and Human Services, State Government of Victoria, Australia
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