“An N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles,” said the US FDA.
The Victorian government has said that N95 and K95 masks will be free to those most at risk within the community.
Premier Daniel Andrews said that more than three million of these masks will be given to people at COVID-19 testing sites and community health services across the state.
It was also mentioned by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas that they will be made available to people on public transport.
According to the Victorian government some train conductors and staff will be given masks to handout to while they’ll also be available at PTV hubs.
Any person that goes for a PCR test or goes to get a free rapid antigen test over the next six weeks will be given a box containing 10 N95 masks with Ms Thomas saying it’ll will help with preventative measures.
“Wearing a mask, staying up to date with your vaccinations and ensuring indoor areas are well ventilated are all steps Victorians and businesses can take to manage their own COVID-19 risk this winter and into the future.”
This initiative is the latest from the Andrews government, who recently introduced free rapid antigen tests, personal protective equipment, and air purifiers for aged care facilities throughout Victoria.
“During July alone more than 1,350 air purifiers, 1,100 boxes of masks, 140 boxes of gloves, 75 units of gowns, 40 cartons of hand sanitiser, 60 boxes of face shields and 4,000 rapid antigen tests were distributed to residential aged care facilities across the state,” said the government.
It’s been strongly advised by health and governmental officials that people mask up in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, which Premier Andrews said will benefit everyone.
“Providing masks free of charge to those who need them most will help them protect themselves, their loved ones, and Victoria’s hardworking healthcare workers.”
As of August 9, Victoria has 40,000 active Covid cases.
