“That can make a big difference in stopping spread of virus and keeping low numbers in regional Victoria very low so restrictions settings don't change,” he said.
“The masks can be homemade, one you bought, or it can be simply wearing a scarf.”
Shepparton Medical Clinic director Robert Campbell said although Greater Shepparton was not a coronavirus hot-spot, it was not far off with people still visiting from Melbourne.
“If you cannot socially distance in places like the supermarket or the mall, then people should wear a mask where possible,” he said.
“It’s not 100 per cent but it’s better than nothing — it’s not only providing you with protection, but others coming into contact.
“If you’re wearing a mask, it may well prompt someone to keep their distance and if enough people wear them, it’s reminding other people to wear masks and think about hand hygiene and social distancing.”
Masks reduce the risk of spread by 67 per cent, while close fitting protective devices such as an N95 respirator reduce spread by more than 95 per cent, a systematic review commissioned by the World Health Organisation and published in the medical journal Lancet last month found.
A number of local companies have taken up the call.
Shepparton designer Wendy Crowe has been making fabric masks at her store, Wear Repair.
“We’re doing a combination of colourful ones and black ones,” she said.
“They're washable, molded over the nose and will be lined with silk.”
Boomerang Bags Numurkah sewing group is also hosting a sewing working bee to create reusable cloth masks for the community on July 22.
As of July 18, all Bunnings Warehouse staff across Victorian stores, distribution and trade centres will be required to wear masks.
Bunnings will supply staff with masks while staff also have the option of using their own fabric masks if preferred.
Staff at all Victorian McDonald's restaurants will be provided with three-ply surgical masks to be used from July 20.
● Kleenmart Cleaning and Machinery Supplies, Shepparton; phone 5822 2727.
● Talisman Menswear, Shepparton: follow the directions on the store's Facebook page.
● Wear Repair, Shepparton; phone 5831 4651.
● Chemist Warehouse, Shepparton; phone 5821 6000.
● Chemist Warehouse, Shepparton North; phone 5821 0296.
● Chemist Warehouse, Kialla; phone 5823 5194.
● Amcal Pharmacy Shepparton – John Anderson; phone 5821 2596.
● Mooroopna Hardware, Mooroopna; phone 5825 4660.
● Bunnings Warehouse, Shepparton; phone 5825 7200.
● Reid's Pharmacy, Shepparton; phone 5831 5000.
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