If Melbourne's new mandatory face mask rule has you wondering if you should mask-up in Sydney—especially with the current uptick in cases in NSW—we're here to help.
While wearing a COVID-safe face mask is not compulsory in NSW right now (you can read about which lockdown restrictions have been reintroduced in NSW here), the Australian Government Department of Health has advised that masks are a good idea if you find yourself in situations where it's tricky to stay physically distanced, like on public transport, in an Uber or grocery shopping, for example.
Additionally, the World Health Organisation, who first suggested that face masks weren't effective, has since withdrawn that advice. Masks will not do any harm in protecting yourself and others—but they shouldn't, however, be used as a substitute for physical distancing and good hygiene.
If you're keen to put your mind at ease while out and about across coming weeks, you can, stock permitting, shop face masks from chemists, Bunnings Warehouse, and even major supermarkets.
As well as this, lots of Australian brands, retailers and charity-based organisations are now producing fashion-friendly reusable masks—and we've listed a few of our faves below. Keep in mind that stock levels will fluctuate a lot due to high demand.
Clear Collective | Based in the Blue Mountains, Clear Collective first launched back in 2019 when we needed masks for bushfire smoke—not global pandemics. They've got filtered and unfiltered masks that you can check out here. The Social Outfit | From our very own Newtown, The Social Outfit is a social enterprise dishing out some sweet tropical-themed masks. We also love their buy one, give one policy, which means for every mask you buy, one is donated to a person in need. Demand is high, but you can check stocks here. TECMASK | Sydney-based TECMASK has created "Immunity Defence Packs" that include a face mask, hand sanitiser, cleansing wipes, disposable gloves, soothing tea and plant-based immunity capsules. They are available to purchase from The Iconic. The Social Studio | The studio produces Australian-made medical scrubs, and are also making medical-grade face masks. They are restocking daily at 9am, order here. Second Stitch | Is a Melbourne-based not-for-profit organisation that employs women from asylum-seeker and refugee backgrounds, with profits going to help those in need. Buy their masks here. Bonds | Bonds is creating 100 percent cotton masks with adaptive cooling technologies, sold in packs of three. They've currently sold out, but will be restocking here soon. Cotton On | Cotton On has a cute range of face masks in patterns like red tartan, tie-dye and leopard (if it's a Joe Exotic vibe you're going for). We also love the cat mask. Check it out here.Keep up to date with the latest COVID lockdown news for Sydney here. For NSW Government COVID-19 advice, head here.
Editor's note: Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, so we get revenue from your purchase.
Image credit: Second Stitch