Christmas

Free masks to support South Aussies this Christmas

Up to 10,000 masks a day packaged in Christmas-themed wrappers are expected to be handed out over coming weeks.

Free masks will be available from Friday 23 December at metropolitan SA Pathology testing sites to support South Australians this Christmas.

Face masks are an additional physical barrier to help stop the spread of diseases, including COVID-19.

“We’re providing these masks to people who are COVID positive, close contacts or symptomatic to help them protect those around them,” says Chief Public Health Officer, Professor Nicola Spurrier.

“But please remember, if you do have COVID, even wearing a mask may not prevent you from spreading the virus, so please consider others this Christmas and stay away from Christmas parties and large gatherings with any symptoms at all.”

Up to 10,000 masks a day packaged in Christmas-themed wrappers are expected to be handed out at metropolitan SA Pathology testing sites over coming weeks, along with free RAT tests.

More than 350,000 RAT tests have been given out across the state, with stocks available until 8 Jan 2023.

If you have tested positive to COVID-19 or are a close contact, it’s recommended you wear a mask when you are in indoor public places or on public transport.

In South Australia, public and private hospitals require visitors to wear masks.

GPs and other health care sites may also continue to enforce mask requirements to protect at risk patients and clients.

This follows SA Health identifying 780 cartons comprising 561,000 masks remaining in stock which were purchased in 2020. The masks are due to expire in December 2023.

Over the Christmas and New Year period, SA Pathology PCR testing sites will remain open, but usual hours may change in response to demand.

For more information, go to sahealth.sa.gov.au/covidtesting.

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