Demand for protective face masks in Castlemaine and surrounds has spiked sharply in recent days as the state government urges regional Victorians aged over 18 to wear masks when unable to socially distance while in public.
In the state’s COVID-19 lockdown areas of metro Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire the wearing of protective face masks in public this week became mandatory.
But closer to home, Castlemaine retail stores are experiencing a surge in demand for disposable masks that appear to be walking out the door of many local retail outlets as quickly as new stocks come in.
And in Castlemaine those making the more permanent washable varieties are reporting a similar story.
“What’s a bigger word than demand. It’s insane,” said Linda Newton of The Drying Shed Art Space at The Mill, Castlemaine.
Several members of this local artists’ collective have formed a close-knit little production crew that has been extra busy lately making and distributing quality protective cloth face masks that are not only made to high standards but also come in funky colours and designs to boot. Full story in The Mail Friday, July 24,2020.