Australia's frontline health workers to get share of 54 million new face masks

Medical and aged care workers dealing with coronavirus-affected patients are set to get a share of 54 million new face masks.

Health Minister Greg Hunt addresses the media in Melbourne, Sunday, March 8, 2020

Health Minister Greg Hunt addresses the media in Melbourne. Source: AAP

The government has secured an extra 54 million face masks for national medical stockpiles to supply frontline health workers.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said on Sunday the masks would be available for medical and aged care workers dealing with coronavirus-affected patients.

"We are grateful for the role of our frontline workers and recognise the need to continue to protect them and support the response," he said.

Three Australians have died as a result of the virus, with 74 testing positive, including two defence personnel.

Mr Hunt said the masks should be arriving by the end of April and would be distributed as required to health care workers, including aged care and dentists.
"Some have indicated to us that they will face challenges," he told reporters in Melbourne on Sunday.

An extra 260,000 masks have already been released from the federal stockpile to primary health networks, dentists and aged care workers.

Mr Hunt said the government was also preparing to subsidise teleconferencing to allow doctors to diagnose coronavirus remotely by the end of the week.

He said Australians should show each other the same solidarity they did during the bushfire crisis, as people panic buy toilet paper and other goods.

"This is a time to be our best selves," Mr Hunt said.

"There have been some things which have occurred in recent days, which have not been our best selves."


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Published 8 March 2020 3:34pm
Updated 8 March 2020 4:05pm


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