Port Macquarie-Hastings pharmacists have noted a dramatic rise in masks being sold to the public with one urging people to educate themselves on appropriate usage of the protective barrier.
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Jayd Joseph is the pharmacist at Shelly Beach Pharmacy and said over Monday, July 20 and Tuesday, July 21 he sold 200 masks.
It comes after Victoria reported 484 positive COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, July 22. In NSW 16 new cases have been reported.
Mr Joseph has now sold out of masks and said selling 200 in two days was an extraordinary figure.
"This pharmacy here attracts local traffic (residents), it's not very touristy around here," he said.
When asked what has prompted the dramatic increase in sales, Mr Joseph said he believes people are scared and are doing what they can to protect themselves and their families.
Mr Joseph is urging people to ensure they wear masks properly because otherwise they can increase the risk of infection.
"For example if someone touches the mask, who has a viral load, then touches their face and pulls the mask down to talk, it can do more harm than good," he said.
Mr Joseph said there haven't been widespread studies amongst the general population on how effective masks are for reducing the potential spread of COVID-19.
However, some smaller studies have been shown masks, when used properly, can reduce the potential for spread in smaller settings such in healthcare.
Mr Joseph said if the government is mandating mask use in hotspots they should also be providing advice to people on how to wear them.
In the first COVID-19 wave supply of protective equipment to pharmacies was an issue, due to the increased demand. Mr Joseph hopes that doesn't happen again.
David Craddock is a pharmacist and co-owner of five pharmacies in the Port Macquarie-Hastings and Camden Haven.
"We have noticed a marked increase in sales of masks in all of our pharmacies over the last four or five days," he said.
An order for 500 masks arrived on Tuesday, July 21 and before noon on Wednesday, July 22 half the supply had been sold.
Mr Craddock sold 120 masks in Wauchope on Tuesday, July 21.
People have been purchasing masks if they intend to travel outside of the region to locations such as Newcastle and Sydney.
Mr Craddock said it's important people do get tested for COVID-19 as soon as they show symptoms of a runny nose, sore throat or a cough.
COVID-19 testing clinics are located across the Mid North Coast at Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Bellingen, Nambucca Heads, Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Kempsey and Laurieton.
NSW Health is urging anyone feeling unwell, even with the mildest of symptoms to self-isolate from others and come forward for COVID-19 testing.
Symptoms include fever, cough, sore/scratchy throat, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell.
People have been asked to call the COVID-19 hotline on 1300 001 956 if they have any questions.
The community is also urged to remember to observe physical distancing, practice good hand hygiene and stay at home if they're unwell.
For more information please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19
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