WEARING a mask or face covering in public is a welcome move to help keep the Mildura electorate free from COVID-19 cases.

Member for Mildura Ali Cupper said the preventative measure, which comes into force at midnight on Sunday, was appropriate.

“We do not want to see any cases in the Mildura electorate – we haven’t had a case here for months now – so any measure we can adopt that will help ensure it remains that way,” she said.

“I know there is a lot of fear, and even anger, about our need to wear masks here given we are so far away from the Melbourne hotspots, but a virus like this does not discriminate.”

Ms Cupper said there was growing frustration at a perception that large numbers of tourists were still travelling to Mildura from hotspots in Melbourne.

“There are those who say there are still people from Melbourne getting off the bus every day in Mildura, but ultimately we don’t know if they are people from Mildura returning home,” she said.

“The fact is there has been a ‘ring-fence’ around greater Melbourne and Mitchell Shire for weeks now so the number of people from those areas visiting here would be very low.

“And even if there were people from Melbourne coming here, wearing a mask or face covering in public would help safeguard against any possible virus transmission.

“This is a very small impost that could ultimately have huge benefits in keeping us safe, so I would urge everyone to remain calm and accept this is the reality for the time being.”

There are some exemptions for not wearing a mask of face covering, including infants and children under 12, people with relevant medical conditions or when doing strenuous exercise.

A full list of exemptions can be found here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/face-coverings-work-covid-19#lawful-excuses-or-exceptions-for-not-wearing-a-face-covering