Wearing a mask - a community action

Wearing a mask is different, it’s invasive, it’s uncomfortable, it’s inconvenient and it may feel like defeat for some. 

As the pandemic in Victoria started to show it’s first real virulent signs in the community three months ago, I wrote about how the community could take control of their own actions by wearing masks. 

At that time, I wrote, 'with differing medical opinions across different countries, it’s a big call; appropriate masks have to be available to the medical fraternity first, and for community members, they have to be worn properly to be effective'.

However, I felt then, and I feel now, that with this invisible and silent virus in our community, it was time to take all necessary steps to protect ourselves and others, along with following the advice of health authorities around physical distancing and hygiene.

No matter how we got to this point in facing increasing infection numbers and community transmission, it remains the case there is little that community members can control except to manage our own space and actions. 

It was why I advocated for a change in thinking a few months ago, and why I support it now. This is about the community taking a responsible step and leading actions which are now appropriate and necessary. 

Let’s be a community that leads now. Even though it is not voluntary any more, it is no less an opportunity for us to slow the spread of this virulent virus.

None of this is ideal. And it will feel contradictory and unfair as the messaging again changes in Victoria along with the risk. 

But at this moment we need to help ourselves and build our resilience for a future which will continue to look and be different. 

More information about masks www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus