On Monday, the government announced that face coverings will be mandatory from next week on all public transport, planes and rideshare services from level two up. This applies to the whole country, not just Auckland, where we have seen community transmission.

The World Health Organisation recently published information on mask use for different age groups suggesting that:

• Children aged 12 and over should wear a mask under the same conditions as adults, in particular when they cannot guarantee a distance of at least one metre from others and there is widespread transmission in the area
• For children aged between six and 11, the WHO advises taking into account how widespread the transmission of the virus is and whether the child is interacting with high-risk individuals such as the elderly. It also stresses the need for adult supervision to help children use, put on and take off masks safely
• Children aged five and under should not, under normal circumstances, wear masks.

There are two different types of masks readily available to us, disposable surgical masks and reusable fabric masks. 

Single use surgical masks are easily accessible, being sold at most supermarkets and pharmacies. They need to be changed if they become moist and should be used for no more than four hours. Single use masks can also be an environmental hazard if not disposed of correctly. Waterlogged masks, gloves, hand sanitizer bottles and other coronavirus waste already are being found on seabeds and washed up on beaches. If you are using single use masks be sure to cut the straps before you dispose of them, so if they do end up out in the world, they are less likely to tangle on any creatures.

Fabric masks are also readily available, with lots of crafty locals using this lockdown to get sewing. It's a great way to use up leftover fabric, and has been quite a profitable venture for some, with one Auckland woman making $1,500 in just three days from selling her masks. The important thing to remember if you are using fabric masks is that to be effective, the mask needs to be made of a weave that is tight enough to be effective at containing droplets, while still allowing you to breathe easily. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests they should ideally have 3 layers. They also need to be washed after every use.