Editorial
Last week we were 'Masking For A Friend', this week we are pleading 'Please Mask Up'.
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If we can't start better heeding the warnings to wear a mask in crowded environments then we better be prepared to put up the consequences, like the possibility masks may become mandatory.
Nobody in NSW wants to end up in the period of lockdown which the Victorians are suffering through at the moment, but if we don't better protect ourselves and each other it is inevitable.
That was certainly the strong message sent by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant on Wednesday.
The Premier reminded us all that NSW remained on "high alert".
"Whether it is a school extra-curricular activity which shouldn't occur, whether it's the recommendation for people to wear masks when they can't guarantee social distancing on public transport or in supermarkets, or whether it's the way in which we've asked businesses to approach a COVID-safe environment, compliance is absolutely critical," she said.
"I want to see a greater uptake in all those categories. If we don't see a greater uptake in the next little while, we will consider further measures in which we can increase that uptake.
"Some business are doing so well with COVID safe... and other businesses seem to be applying a partial model."
This is not an erosion of your rights, it's protection of the freedoms we currently enjoy in NSW compared to our southern neighbour.
Freedoms that could quickly evaporate if the virus takes a great hold in our community.
And ultimately that is about protecting the lives of those who are vulnerable in our community to the coronavirus.
What is happening in Victoria shows the devastating impact it can have once established and we should never lose sight of that.
For now, please don't be part of the problem.
Be part of the solution and just mask up.
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