Fardy Facts: The facts about face masks

Hi I am Sarah Fardy – your Surf Coast resident scientist!

I recently started fardy-facts.com.au, an online, interactive space to ask science questions and get evidenced based answers – relieving worries and concerns during the COVID-19 info-demic. On the site, you can also purchase reusable masks and find useful information to help guide you in their use in relation to COVID-19 transmission prevention.
Over the weekend, the Victorian State Government announced that face coverings will be required in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire. Failure to wear a face covering in these areas will result in a $200 fine.
Regional Victoria has also been advised to begin wearing masks in public places, where social distancing cannot be maintained. Although this is not yet compulsory, it is only a matter of time before regional Victorians will be subject to the same rules.

What You Need to Know
Masks are only effective when used in combination with proper hand sanitisation with an alcohol-based sanitizer or soapy water. If you wear a mask, you also need to know how to dispose of it safely.
P2 masks, are single-use only. Once the filter is moist, it must be thrown in a bin. They cannot be re-used.
PM2.5/N95 masks, can be used for 5-7 days. The internal carbon filter can be replaced.
Homemade masks DO NOT PROTECT YOU from infectious diseases. They CAN, however, PROTECT OTHERS from infection if you are coughing and are infected. They need to be treated as single-use masks, but instead of disposing in the bin, you can wash them after every use with your regular laundry.
Homemade masks can be pimped out with nylon stockings to increase infectious disease filtration, but those studies are still ongoing. If you want to make your own mask, check out dhhs.vic.gov.au/face-masks-covid-19 for a pattern and advice on materials you will need.
We believe everybody deserves to be safe. The main value of wearing a mask is to protect other people. If the person wearing the mask is unknowingly infected, wearing a mask will reduce the chance of them passing the virus on to others. For people at increased risk of severe COVID-19 themselves because of older age or chronic illness, physical distancing is most important. If you cannot maintain physical distance, wearing a mask is an important protective measure.
For people who choose to wear a mask purchased on fardy-facts.com.au it is important to wear it properly:
Wash or sanitise your hands before putting it on or taking it off
Make sure the mask covers your nose and mouth and fits snugly under your chin, over the bridge of your nose and against the sides of your face – our elastic strap design improves the fit and seal.
Do not touch the front of your mask while wearing or removing it
Do not allow the mask to hang around your neck or under your nose
Do not reuse single use masks; wash and dry reusable masks after use and store in a clean dry place.

These masks are NOT medical grade and are NOT guaranteed to protect against airborne illnesses. We are shipping orders, but be aware that certain locations are experiencing delays in mail service. Due to health reasons we cannot accept returns on these goods. All masks are sanitised before packing.
Adjusting the strap:
Find the end of the elastic and untie the knot
Put the mask on and retie the knot once you have a snug seal over your nose and mouth.
Pull the elastic through the mask until it disappears into the seam fold – You’re done!
Adding a third filter layer:
Gently feel the two layers of material and separate slightly
Take some scissors and snip one of the side edges of the inside material layer
Create a small incision along the edge which allows for a pocket between the layers
Insert a PM2.5 filter or folded over coffee filter paper
Change filter once moist and wash mask
Take extra care to wash or sanitise your hands before putting it on or taking it off.
For more details, head to my website at fardy-facts.com.au