Hi, you mob! My name is Dr Ngiare Brown and I am a Yuin nation woman, a doctor and I work in Aboriginal health.
As you know, face masks have become a part of everyday life in some parts of Australia.
Remember that using a mask is an additional measure that can help protect Elders, your Aunties and Uncles and the rest of your mob from coronavirus.
It’s a great idea to use one when you have to be near people and can’t physically distance from them like when you are on a bus.
But even if you are wearing a mask, you need to know there is a risk of spreading the virus.
That is why it is important to know how to use a face mask correctly.
Please follow these simple steps when you are putting on and removing your mask:
Before you put the mask on, wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser.
Hold your mask by its strings or ear loops, put it on your face and secure it.
Make sure the mask covers your mouth and your nose – don’t let it hang around your neck. The mask should fit snugly around your face.
If your mask has a metal nose strip, make sure it is shaped across your nose.
Once your mask is on, it’s really important that you don't pull it up or down, just keep it on the whole time until you get home or until you need to change it.
Don’t touch the front of your mask.
If your mask gets damp or torn, you need to change it.
Before removing your mask, wash your hands.
Untie the mask or remove ear loops gently.
If your mask is disposable, put it straight in the bin.
If it is reusable, put it in the washing or in a zip-locked bag until you can wash it.
You need to make sure your reusable mask is properly washed and fully dried before reusing it.
Please don’t forget that wearing a mask doesn’t mean you can let down your guard.
You still need to keep two steps away from everyone, avoid large groups, wash your hands as often as you can and stay at home and get tested if you’re sick.