Why masks and lockdown saves lives

AS Stage 3 COVID-19 lockdown amps back up in regional Victoria, health professionals are sending messages of hope.

General manager of social support at Ballarat Community Health Jane Measday said although washing your hands, wearing a mask and keeping your distance will provide protection, testing is the best option.

That’s because while we each have a part to play in slowing down the spread of the infection, its immuno-compromised people and seniors who remain most at risk.

Ms Measday said although the virus can attack anybody, we all have to do our bit to best protect the most vulnerable.

“It’s not so much about me worrying if I catch it, it’s if someone catches it who are compromised and get really unwell that is a problem,” she said.

“It’s about caring for people in aged care or people who already have pre-existing issues with their organs or lungs.”

Ballarat resident Rachel Parrōt lives with cystic fibrosis, a condition that impacts regular lung functioning, and is particularly vulnerable to air borne viruses such as COVID-19.

If the public adhere to social distancing and mask wearing rules, Ms Parrōt said immuno-compromised people like herself would feel a lot safer if and when they leave their home.

“Everyone should embrace wearing masks because there are people who have been wearing masks every day because of their illness or occupation,” she said.

“They don’t complain because they knew that’s just what has to be done.

“If everyone had a family member susceptible to disease they would be doing everything they could to avoid them getting sick especially because ending up in hospital right now is ten times harder and more traumatic.”

As we re-enter state-wide lockdown restrictions once again, Ms Measday congratulated the Ballarat community for their amazing job containing the virus so far.

“Even though we feel a bit flat at the moment, people have been gracious, patient and positive with the testing clinic,” she said.

“We’re learning what it’s like to live in a strong community where people care for one another and the fact that we are wearing masks means that we care about someone else.

“It’s about saying I care and want to support people in my community by being a little uncomfortable to make sure we’re all okay.”

Ms Measday also reiterated the message that getting tested for COVID-19, even if you have very mild symptoms, was one of the best things people could do to help combat the spread of the disease.

“We’re operating a new testing clinic at Senior Citizens on Little Bridge Street to offer people more timely appointments and assist the community to get their results back quickly,” she said.

“Getting a negative testing result is really great for you and for the community.

“But also getting a positive result means we know where it is and we can look after you and make sure it doesn’t spread any further.”