Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Friday, 31 July, 2020. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.
Posted on Friday 31st of July, 2020,
With the escalation of positive coronavirus cases across Victoria the State Government has announced as of Sunday 2 August at 11:59pm, a face covering or mask will be mandatory for all Victorian’s whenever they leave their home, including Greater Shepparton.
While most of these cases are in metro areas, there has also been significant rise in the number of positive cases in regional communities.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Seema Abdullah said “More than ever before, Victoria is seeing higher rates of community transmission so we need to do what we can to protect ourselves and others. Wearing masks is another step to keep us all safe and well.”
“We understand that the masks may be a bit uncomfortable or awkward, at least initially, but please persist to keep yourself and others safe and well.”
“By covering your face, you’re keeping our local businesses open, and keeping local people in work,” she said.
Face coverings help stop droplets spreading when someone speaks, laughs, coughs, or sneezes, including someone who has coronavirus but feels well. Still the best way to protect other people against coronavirus is keeping 1.5 metres apart, washing your hands often, and coughing or sneezing into your elbow or tissue. Face coverings add an additional protective physical barrier to help keep yourself, your family, friends, colleagues and others who live in your community safe.
There are some exceptions for not wearing a mask such as:
In terms of children, those under the age of 12 do not need to wear a face covering and children who are two years or younger must not wear face coverings as they would be at risk of choking and suffocation.
It is important to note that if you are found outside your home not wearing a face mask or covering you can be fined $200. It’s cheaper to buy masks than not wear one.
“There are actually right and wrong ways to put on and take off a mask or face covering. I would encourage you to watch the Victorian Chief Health Officer video that explains all you need to know it how to wear and dispose of the masks safely,” said Cr Abdullah.
It is important to note that disposable or single use masks can only be worn once, and need to be placed in your red lid bin.
Depending how often you leave your house, this may mean that you may need a supply of masks. It is important not to panic buy to ensure that we have sufficient supplies of masks for all of our community.
Masks in Greater Shepparton
Mask can be purchased from local pharmacists and supermarkets. Please note that these businesses provide a variety of masks, their stock levels fluctuate and all suppliers will not have stock all the time.
For those who are creative at heart, feel free to make and wear your own mask but remember they need to be washed daily. Instructions on how to make your own can be found through the DHHS website.
This is one of the biggest challenges our community, state and nation has faced. Wearing of a mask outside our home is the smallest of sacrifices when lives are trying to be saved.
For all up to date information regarding mandatory mask wearing please go to the Department of Health and Human Services website.
Please view the following recommendations for using a cloth face mask from Brett Sutton, Victorian Chief Health Officer.
More News from Greater Shepparton
Friday 12th of September,
Planning the future of play: KidsTown consultation begins
Greater Shepparton City Council is inviting residents to take part in consultation opportunities for the revitalisation of the region’s much-loved and iconic KidsTown Adventure Playground. Following significant flood damage in 2022 and the ageing condition… Read more
Thursday 11th of September,
Young performers shine at Talent Show
Greater Shepparton City Council celebrated the creativity and skills of local young people at the recent Youth Talent Show, which brought colour, music and energy to the Winter City Market on Saturday 30 August at the Maude Street Precinct in Shepparton.… Read more
Wednesday 10th of September,
Growth surge opportunity for Greater Shepparton region
Greater Shepparton has recorded one of the most dramatic population shifts in the country, with a 229 per cent year-on-year increase in net internal relocations, driven largely by people moving from capital cities. Read more
Wednesday 10th of September,
Greater Shepparton celebrates Seniors Festival 2025 this October
Victoria’s largest Seniors Festival returns in October 2025 and Greater Shepparton City Council is encouraging older residents to get involved. Read more
Tuesday 9th of September,
Greater Shepparton on the world stage at Asia Fruit Logistica
Greater Shepparton, the Fruit Capital of Australia, was on show at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong last week, the premier trade event for fresh produce across the Asia-Pacific. Read more
Monday 8th of September,
Youth Fest 2025 kicks off across Greater Shepparton with plenty more still to come
Greater Shepparton City Council is excited to announce that Youth Fest 2025 is officially underway, bringing a vibrant line-up of free and low-cost events to young people throughout the month of September. Read more
See All News
Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed?
Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button.
More Events in Greater Shepparton
Wednesday 17th of September,
Puff Walk
Puff Walks are more than just steps – they’re connections. Read more
Friday 19th of September,
Puff Walk
Let’s walk and talk. Read more
Thursday 18th of September,
Grahamvale Primary School Concert - Years F-2 - Double Act with a Big Impact
View on Riverlinks
Monday 22nd of September, – to Friday 3rd of October,
School Holiday Activity - Giant Games at Shepparton Library
Giant Jamenga, Chess & Connect 4! Read more
Saturday 20th of September, – to Sunday 21st of September,
Young Picasso Art Competition- Shepparton South Rotary Club
Shepparton South Rotary Club's Young Picasso Art Competition, is an exciting new opportunity for students from primary and secondary schools in the area. Prizes awarded to winning students. Read more
Monday 22nd of September, – to Friday 3rd of October,
FamilyCare Book Inn Book Sale
Our Book Sale has a huge variety of books available, including great titles for children and teenagers. Do yourself a favour and drop in to pick up a bargain. Four books for just $2! Read more
See All Events