AMA (NSW) President: Time to make masks mandatory
December 31, 2020AMA (NSW) President: It’s not too late to prevent a potential super spreading event at the SCG
January 6, 2021We are pleased the NSW Government has made masks mandatory in response to concerns about increased community transmission, said AMA (NSW) President, Dr Danielle McMullen.
“Making masks compulsory in indoor settings is a simple, yet effective means of reducing that risk,” she said.
“This is a crucial decision – particularly as more people will be returning to work after the holidays and trains and buses become increasingly crowded.”
Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced today that residents are required to wear a mask in public venues such as shopping centres, grocery stores, on public transport, entertainment venues such as cinemas and gaming venues, places of worship, and hair and beauty salons.
The mandate will be implemented from 12am Sunday but will not be enforced until Monday. Residents caught without a mask from Monday will face a $200 fine.
“Masks create an effective barrier against aerosol droplets which transmit the disease. They protect you from other people and protect other people from you. But they are not failsafe.
“We encourage all NSW residents to continue to practice good hand hygiene, maintain physical distance, and if you have any symptoms at all – please stay home.
“By employing all of these measures together – you will greatly reduce the spread of COVID-19,” Dr McMullen said.
Media contact: Andrea Cornish
0450 129 502