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[VIC] Free N95 and KN95 Masks to Victorians Who Takes a RAT/PCR Test

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Hi all,

Saw this update from Dan Andrews stating that free N95 and KN95 Masks will be provided over the next 4 to 6 weeks.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today announced that more than three million masks will be handed out to the community through our state-run testing sites, community health services across Victoria and across the public transport network.

Over the next four to six weeks every person that presents for either a free rapid antigen or PCR test will receive one box of 10 N95 masks, along with instructions on how best to wear them to reduce transmission.

Can read up more here:
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/free-masks-keep-victorians-sa…

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      • +3

        Your lame attempts at jokes weren’t funny 2 pages ago and they aren’t now.

        Ps - I negged you.

      • +1

        So what do you do for a living anyway?

        • +1

          Trust fund baby. Well, I used to be — a long time ago. You’d of thought I’d have grown out of it by now…

  • +6

    Judging by this thread, only one opinion on masks is permitted or be negged into oblivion.

    • -4

      What opinions? There are people who follow the science and those who think they're smarter than the World's scientists combined.

      • But science is an opinion nowadays for these smoothbrains.

      • +2

        I think that is a pretty simplistic way to look at it, not all scientists agree on everything Covid related, including masks, not all studies come to the same conclusions. So who do you listen to?

        Since the beginning it's always been that unless the scientist or study is in favour of restrictions then it should be discredited and ignored. Not even 12 months ago you would get banned on Twitter for saying cloth masks are ineffective, now everyone just accepts it and is like "well duh, listen to the scientists". 12 months ago people, especially in Australia, believed that breakthrough infections were incredibly rare but now it's just accepted that you can get Covid multiple times regardless of the number of shots you've had.

        So the scientists don't agree on lots of thints, the science is always evolving, so who do you listen to? Oh that's right, only the ones that the government says to listen to.

        • +1

          Scientists don't agree that wearing masks, being vaccinated and social distancing works? Who are these scientists you speak of?

          • +2

            @belongsinforums: The same scientists and actual health officials that have proven with the data and underlying knowledge provided from day 1 that vaccinations, masking mandates and social distancing are not only pointless, they actually make everything worse:

            A team of 19 scientists from the United Kingdom have published research that helps explain why countries with the highest vaccination and booster rates are experiencing the highest numbers of what they call “breakthrough infections,” as well as reinfection with other variants of COVID-19.

            This research article, published on June 14, 2022 in the peer-reviewed journal "Science", shows in detail never seen before, what many clinicians and research scientists have expressed concerns about since the start of Covid. That COVID-19 mRNA vaccines as well as the booster shots are making our immune response less and less effective against every variant of the virus.

            It means that the vaccine itself is leading to widespread infection. Instead of stopping the virus, it appears that the mRNA vaccination programs around the world have inadvertently made the virus more ubiquitous.

            In contrast, in places where vaccine campaigns have not been widely implemented - including most countries in the continent of Africa, Scandinavian countries, the Middle East and sections of Asia like Japan - people are not becoming infected, hospitalized or dying in anywhere near close to the same numbers.

            https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abq1841

            The roles of the contributors to that study, all of whom are currently banned from most social media platforms by "fact checkers" and up until recently, black-balled from appearing on any form of mainstream media to discuss the obvious:

            • Manager of the Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
            • Principal scientist, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, UK.
            • Director, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, UK.
            • Chief Investigator, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK.
            • Senior Health Practitioner, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK.
            • Fellow, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK.
            • Professor, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
            • Lead Scientist, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London, UK.
            • Executive Director, Lung Division at Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
            • @infinite: So, you're saying that 9 former scientists are smarter than the tens of thousands of scientists worldwide put together? There are scientists who believe in the existence of god as depicted in the bible. doesn't make it real

              • @belongsinforums: Strange though how not a single scientist in the world you referred to there has proven anything they said or reported on to be incorrect or false though, isn't it ?

                Some may suggest that would not lend much support to your attempt at literally ignoring the science.

                • -1

                  @infinite: sorry i dont have a couch phd like you and pretend to understand epidemiology

                  • +3

                    @belongsinforums: 99% of scientists will support whoever pays them. That whole are you an epiidemioligist missive is now pathetic. Don't have to be one to SEE and READ about the DEAD and newly diagnosed with HORRIBLE diseases. Try COMMON SENSE.

                    • +2

                      @trevor99: Yep. Reminds me of the quote

                      "It Is Difficult to Get a Man to Understand Something When His Salary Depends Upon His Not Understanding It"

                    • @trevor99: sorry doc! me stupido

            • -2

              @infinite: Your link literally says "Vaccine boosting results in distinct, imprinted patterns of hybrid immunity with different combinations of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. Immune protection is boosted by B.1.1.529 (Omicron) infection in the triple-vaccinated, previously infection-naïve individuals"

              The absolute horseshit you quote is an interpretation with an agenda that has absolutely zero basis in the reality of the study itself.

              Do you idiots think if you blather a link in a comment, nobody will pause to actually read it?

              Cope.

              • @[Deactivated]: Why did you conveniently leave out half the conclusion???

                This “hybrid immune damping” indicates substantial subversion of immune recognition and differential modulation through immune imprinting and may be the reason why the B.1.1.529 (Omicron) wave has been characterized by breakthrough infection and frequent reinfection with relatively preserved protection against severe disease in triple-vaccinated individuals.

                Check. Furthermore, you should never rely on the conclusion as you can see the data charts which are provided in the peer reviewed paper….

                I will say this as a disclaimer: I know from working with academics that you need to have a catchy headline in favour of the mainstream narrative even though your conclusions and data state otherwise. It is the same when I co-author papers involving Agenda 2030. We need to frame it in such manner that it is a good thing for the world, even though the authors have their own personal opinions.

                Otherwise we cannot get published. It is plain and simple. These days there are a lot of vested interests and academics use the methods I have described as a workaround. I suggest you write to the authors personally, although I suspect some may be reluctant to discuss certain results if they are not favouring the main narrative. I have met some in person to discuss matters privately and signing a deed of indemnity.


                On a side note: I am in favour of Agenda 2030.

                • -2

                  @[Deactivated]: You have absolutely zero idea what the paragraph you quoted actually means, do you champ. Lol.

                  Leave this one to your betters my friend.

                  A clue

                  with relatively preserved protection against severe disease

            • -1

              @infinite: I see reading isn't your strong point. Those are legitimate scientists but the "news" quote you have quoted has wrongly interpolated their findings.

            • -1

              @infinite: That article doesn’t say anything you think it does.

              Perhaps you misread the phrase “relative” in a lot of sections. They’re not saying people have weaker immune responses relative to not being vaccinated AT ALL - they are comparing relative to persons getting hybrid vaccine/Wuhan, vaccine/alpha variant, vaccine/delta variant and vaccine/omicron.

              In ALL cases, the person with no vaccination at all, has the weaker immunity.

              • -1

                @haemolysis:

                In ALL cases, the person with no vaccination at all, has the weaker immunity.

                You forgot to add the followup to that though, which is the important part:

                In ALL cases, the person with no vaccination at all who has caught Covid and now has natural immunity, has the superior immunity to every Covid variant relative to anyone that took a vaccination. That natural immunity protection then becomes stronger relative to those who have taken each additional round of boosters.

                • @infinite: I actually didn’t “forget” that; it’s simply not correct.

                  The statement you made isn’t found anywhere in the article you implied, nor has it ever been found in any large or reputable study, ever.

      • Which science? Australian science or European Science? Seems like the science differs depending on you geographical location these days

        • +1

          I know. European scientists like Einstein have documented gravitational waves. Meanwhile Australian scientists believe in the Great Boomerang Theory of the cosmos. Why can't they just agree!?!

    • +1

      In my limited experience of online forums where the opposite views on masks are popular, presenting any other view or even daring to question an incorrect statement is met with a ban from being able to comment at all. At least on OzBargain, it's merely a neg.

  • +1

    These masks were indirectly funded by fines. It’s good to finally catch the real criminals undermining public safety! Taxpayers rejoice!

    • +1

      Except they were handing out free masks to those illegally without one on public transport on the Nine News.

      If they simultaneously fined and handed out masks, perhaps we'd make a dent in the state debt?

  • +1

    The smartest minds of ozbargain can be found right here folks

  • -1

    A) it doesn't work, but far more importantly,
    B) it's not safe.

    Vaxxed - blood clots, strokes sudden death, heart attacks, aggressive cancers, sterilisation just to name a few of the 1000+ side effects admitted by Pfizer that they knew from day one.

    Boost up.

    • Rubbish. 95%+ have had a dose and thousands of lives have been saved as a result. Comparing our deaths per capita to the US (1+ mil dead), it's clear which country is much better managing the pandemic.

      • +1

        Fake news. Start with vaers, us Army stats life insurers, actuary companies etc. No one believes the rubbish you're pushing anymore because almost everyone knows someone dead or disabled, lifelong conditions etc.

        • Do you have evidence or data or just faith in Alex Jones? If we had the same nutters; our health system would be falling apart from all the hospitalisations.

          • +1

            @christopher8827: Yeah see I told you exactly, I gave the real Pfizer doc and you try to twist to Jones. I see you. I know one person with pericarditis and 2bwith myocarditis. I don't know that many people. Your numbers are lies.

          • @christopher8827: LOL, so you admit you aren't even as bright as Alex Jones.

            A team of 19 scientists from the United Kingdom have published research that helps explain why countries with the highest vaccination and booster rates are experiencing the highest numbers of what they call “breakthrough infections,” as well as reinfection with other variants of COVID-19.

            This research article, published on June 14, 2022 in the peer-reviewed journal "Science", shows in detail never seen before, what many clinicians and research scientists have expressed concerns about since the start of Covid. That COVID-19 mRNA vaccines as well as the booster shots are making our immune response less and less effective against every variant of the virus.

            It means that the vaccine itself is leading to widespread infection. Instead of stopping the virus, it appears that the mRNA vaccination programs around the world have inadvertently made the virus more ubiquitous.

            In contrast, in places where vaccine campaigns have not been widely implemented - including most countries in the continent of Africa, Scandinavian countries, the Middle East and sections of Asia like Japan - people are not becoming infected, hospitalized or dying in anywhere near close to the same numbers.

            https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abq1841

            The roles of the contributors to that study, all of whom are currently banned from most social media platforms by "fact checkers" and up until recently, black-balled from appearing on any form of mainstream media to discuss the obvious:

            • Manager of the Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
            • Principal scientist, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, UK.
            • Director, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, UK.
            • Chief Investigator, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK.
            • Senior Health Practitioner, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK.
            • Fellow, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK.
            • Professor, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
            • Lead Scientist, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London, UK.
            • Executive Director, Lung Division at Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
            • @infinite: I just read this link ( https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abq1841 ) and the authors and contributors from that article can be searched up in the sidebar - I have no idea what the heck you're on about.

              It means that the vaccine itself is leading to widespread infection. Instead of stopping the virus, it appears that the mRNA vaccination programs around the world have inadvertently made the virus more ubiquitous.

              In contrast, in places where vaccine campaigns have not been widely implemented - including most countries in the continent of Africa, Scandinavian countries, the Middle East and sections of Asia like Japan - people are not becoming infected, hospitalized or dying in anywhere near close to the same numbers.

              There is no evidence the vaccine causes infection or results in widespread infection. New variants that appear such as Omicron have eroded the immunity people once had (since immunity wanes over time anyways).

              Not sure where that quote comes from but that is not a conclusion that is reached by that article. Its nowhere mentioned in the article either. Its an observational study on breakthrough infections in healthcare workers - due to new Variants of Concern / Omicron sub-variants:

              A long-term study of healthcare workers in the United Kingdom has allowed their history of infection and vaccination to be traced precisely. Reynolds et al. found some unexpected immune-damping effects caused by infection with a heterologous variant to the latest wave of infection by the Omicron/Pango lineage B.1.1.529. The authors found that Omicron infection boosted immune responses to all other variants, but responses to Omicron itself were muted. Infection with the Alpha variant provided weaker boosting for Omicron-specific responses. Furthermore, Omicron infection after previous Wuhan Hu-1 infection failed to boost neutralizing antibody and T cell responses against Omicron, revealing a profound imprinting effect and explaining why frequent reinfections occur. —CA

              B and T cell recognition and nAb potency were boosted against previous variants of concern (VOCs) in triple-vaccinated HCWs, but this enhanced immunity was attenuated against B.1.1.529 (Omicron) itself.

              It also says immunity after infection from the original Wuhan variant is abrogated:

              Immune imprinting from prior Wuhan Hu-1 infection abrogated any enhanced cross-reactive antibody binding, T cell recognition, MBC frequency, or nAb potency after B.1.1.529 (Omicron) infection.

          • @christopher8827: Read the Pfizer docs!!!!! Don't rely on junk media to think for you.

            • @Bullion78: You should watch the (non-fiction) series Dopesick. Do NOT rely on Pfizer docs.

    • +1

      Did you read that on a banner when you were crossing the west gate bridge on foot?

    • +1

      Vaxxed - blood clots, strokes sudden death, heart attacks

      https://twitter.com/Annakhait/status/1555940645985890305?t=S…

      BREAKING: U.S. life insurance companies have said that deaths have an unexplainable increased by 40% in 18-49 year olds.

    • -4

      Sad you're getting down voted. So many NPCs that will just do what they're told

      • +1

        It's even funnier watching those same NPC's who demanded without any critical thinking on their own behalf, that forced state mandated control of your body, controlled movement of the public and police charges for disagreeing with medical propaganda should happen………… then turned face, acted shocked, acted surprised and collectively screeched to the social media heavens when the same treatment they advocated for Covid then got turned back against them with the abortion issue.

  • Pfizer's "post marketing experience" ordered released by a judge after they had it suppressed for 75 YEARS. Contains over 1000 adverse reactions they knew before they caused this catastrophe

    Https://phmpt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/5.3.6-postmarke…

    • +2

      Oh please educate yourself:

      To 26 June 2022, the TGA has received 585 reports which have been assessed as likely to be myocarditis from about 41.6 million doses of Comirnaty (Pfizer) and 96 reports which have been assessed as likely to be myocarditis from about 4.6 million doses of Spikevax (Moderna).

      The benefits outweigh the risks.

      https://www.tga.gov.au/periodic/covid-19-vaccine-safety-repo…

      • +2

        These people will never let the facts get in the way of conspiratorial thinking.

      • +2

        The benefits outweigh the risks

        Only small % may have real risk from COVID, but asked 100% people to risk it from the vaccine? Is it reasonable?

        Should only vaccine high risk group

      • +3

        The benefits outweigh the risks.

        Risks? What risks? I was told over and over and over that it’s safe (it’s not, there are risks), and effective (it’s not that either). If the vaccine is so great, then it should be sold to the public honestly, and left to the individual to decide. But instead there is widespread censorship of any substantive discussion, and the vaccine is mandated for those that don’t want to lose their livelihoods. Sanctimonious bullshit!

      • Interesting how you edited the full sentence there and intentionally omitted the rest of it:

        and 96 reports which have been assessed as likely to be myocarditis from about 4.6 million doses of Spikevax (Moderna)

        You also omitted those were just in relation to males of one age bracket. They continue with more cases in other age brackets, too:

        The TGA is also closely monitoring adverse event reports in 5-11 year olds. We have received 35 reports of suspected myocarditis and/or pericarditis in this age group.

        That's literally 34 more cases of it in that age group than in the last three years combined from every other medication authorised for use by the TGA in Australia.

        • -2

          That's suspected - but not confirmed. The same reports says 60.1million+ doses have been administered and only 13 deaths were directly linked.

          People take aspirin all the time and the death rates are higher than that:

          Death rate attributed to NSAID/aspirin use was between 21.0 and 24.8 cases/million people, respectively, or 15.3 deaths/100,000 NSAID/aspirin users.

          Source; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16086703/

          • @christopher8827: Your link is a study of aspirin use in elderly adults from 20 years ago that were admitted into a bunch of Spanish hospitals with gastro issues, in the Spanish healthcare system.

            What relevance is that to anything I posted ???

  • -8

    Keep the fear going

    • +4

      That’s an inappropriate use of a neg vote pal

    • +9

      A free mask is a free mask. Stop being so afraid.

      In addition to covid related uses, a quick Google search shows it has many uses:

      • Construction
      • Quarrying
      • Pottery and ceramics production
      • Engineering
      • Pharmaceuticals
      • Sawmills
      • Iron and steel foundries
      • Shipbuilding
      • Metalworking
    • https://www.ozbargain.com.au/wiki/help:deal_posting_guidelin…

      Do not post the following:

      […]
      Government Programs

      Even worse than government program this is fear mongering. It is not free, you have to contribute to their fear reporting numbers

  • Granted, the efficacy of masks is low.. but they’re also being given specifically to high risk individuals (ie people who are seeking PCR). I couldn’t think of a better group to be giving preventative PPE.

    • +2

      “Invalid negative vote”

  • +4

    Don't know why but it always makes me think of the Nokia N95

    • +3

      You’re not the first one to make that observation. Plus, Nokia is now Microsoft, and Microsoft is Bill Gates. I think you know where I’m going with this…

      • +2

        You are genius mate

  • -1

    Let's wear masks for every ailment that comes along.

    • +2

      Cracking a smile in public is offensive these days. Cover up with a mask and avoid upsetting the masses

    • +7

      Let's wear masks for every ailment that comes along.

      That would depend on how many people in the community have it, and how easily it spreads in the air.

  • Using a mask (properly) may be beneficial but as 99.9% of people do not use the right protocol (ie wash hands before applying as well as after and replace every 2 hours) then their effectiveness is moot! In reality the masks are used all day and then put in a pocket for use the next day and the day afterwards ……

    • +1

      And then people claim masks don't work, as they walk out of the toilet without washing their hands.

  • +1

    great contributions as per usual for the insomniacs - yes they a free masks, how the masks are financed is irrelevant - nothing in life is truly free, it all comes at a cost. ( and thats not always a fiscal value)

    @infinate et el

    thanks for interesting read from science, dont forget one of the salient parts of the report…

    "Notably, although B1.1.529 (Omicron) infection in triple-vaccinated previously uninfected individuals could indeed boost antibody, T cell, and MBC responses against other VOCs, responses to Omicron itself were reduced."

    so if your sick with any kind of respiratory infection or disease, please stay home or if not wear a mask (and thanks to previous poster -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TTg53aAP8Q ) the Victorian government are giving them away

    theres more to come - there will always be life on earth, is just that its only going to be viral

    • +1

      Another moronic contribution from Sky. She keeps adding them up. If Coles gives you a free loaf of bread, it is free. When a government does it, it isn't. Get an idea before you try to act intelligent.

  • and for those that don't believe in masks, work in a synthetic marble factory without a mask or if you a travelling to Europe see this (some of those free government masks might come in handy)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JKoTpKj9RM

  • To make the comment relevant, "yes, I want one please". Honestly though, get stuffed!

  • -1

    Imagine still wearing masks, get over yourself. Covid was so 2020. As Scomo said we have to learn to live with Covid.

    I’m Unvaccinated and have never caught Covid, even with multiple Vaccinated close contacts and family members all catching Covid.

    • +1

      It was an IQ test. You passed.

    • The beauty of the internet is you can say anything and no one can prove if you're telling the truth or not.

      • Similar to owning a newspaper. Except people actually believe and do not question what they read in the newspaper and see on the television.

  • +1

    Updated guidance from the CDC for those in USA https://twitter.com/NPR/status/1557816501796851714

    Maybe we will soon follow.

  • Smacks of governments getting rid of overstock. Probably don't have anywhere to store them. Someone made a sh1t tonne off this.

  • If you get Covid today you only have to self quarantine for 5 days, not 7. Cause science.

  • got a pcr test but didnt get any free masks

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