Wollongong council staff working in public facing roles, at libraries, leisure centres or customer service desks will most likely be wearing protective face masks from now on.
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The council announced on Wednesday that it would making masks available for indoor staff who have face-to-face contact with the community, and would give outdoor and other staff the option to wear their own masks while at work.
The move comes amid growing calls from state leaders and health officials for residents to wear masks when they are unable to maintain physical distancing. However, with the advice not yet mandated, council staff will be able to choose whether to wear masks.
"We've looked at our staff whose work puts them at the highest risk and we're supporting their option to wear face masks," Wollongong's Acting Lord Mayor Tania Brown said.
"Of course, in line with NSW Health advice, everyone should consider wearing a mask when they're out and about so that we can work together to protect everyone in our community from this terrible virus. If everyone does the right thing and follows the health advice, we can support one another and we will all be much better off.''
The masks will be in addition to social distancing, and perspex screens that were installed in the council's customer service counter area when it reopened.