Eligible Cardinia Shire residents can access free masks via a number of local pharmacies and stores across the shire.
This Victorian Government initiative is designed to protect vulnerable community members during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as help reduce the spread of infection across the community.
People eligible for free masks include those with chronic and complex conditions that increase their risk of infection, people who are homeless, in insecure housing or living in high density housing such as residential facilities or public housing, Aborigines, and people living with disability or mental illness. Carers of vulnerable people, such as those with mental illness or disability, are also eligible. The full list of eligibility criteria is available on the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website.
Community members who meet the DHHS eligibility criteria can visit the locations listed on Council's website to collect an allocation of single-use face masks. Reusable face masks will also be available soon through the program.
Council is partnering with the DHHS and local businesses and service providers to deliver the program to the local community.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Jeff Springfield said the initiative would help some of the shire's most vulnerable community members.
"The program is a positive step towards protecting our community members who may become very ill with coronavirus (COVID-19), or who might not be able to source a face covering.
"Supporting vulnerable Victorians and our essential health workers at this time is crucial. Council is proud to be part of this initiative, and we thank the local businesses involved for helping to provide this important service," Cr Springfield said.
Residents are reminded to dispose of single-use face masks and gloves in their household rubbish bin. As disposable face masks aren't recyclable, please don't put them in your recycling bin or allow them to become litter in our streets or waterways.
