YOUR SAY: should we all be wearing masks to slow the spread of COVID-19?

Victorian Premier Dan Andrews recommended that people in regional areas over the age of 18 should wear masks when unable to socially distance, to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

And many in Horsham have headed his advice.

Horsham's Elizabeth Kealy and grandson Caleb Clissold said they were wearing masks for the first time on Friday.

"To be safe really is the main thing. You keep hearing that there are more cases here, and Melbourne is out of control," Mrs Kealy said.

"I just thought this morning, 'Today's the day'. We bought some more sanitizer and I just think it's better to be safe than sorry."

Mrs Kealy said she was also taking extra precautions because of her age

"It's just a crazy thing this pandemic, it moves so fast. And you just don't know - you could walk past someone and they've got it," she said.

"I think the world has completely changed now, so you have to do these types of things."

Horsham's David Ballinger had just bought a box of disposal masks from Amcal pharmacy on Firebrace St.

Mr Ballinger said the two active cases in the Horsham council region prompted his decision.

"Now there are cases here, I think it's a good idea if we do (wear masks)," he said.

"I wasn't sure whether to get them or not, but I just thought you're better to be safe than sorry. I'm diabetic too, so I thought I probably should have them."

Horsham's Holli Duckworth was wearing a mask and said she did not feel safe in public without one.

She said she would take every precaution to protect herself and, by extension, her elderly mother-in-law.

Ms Duckworth said she also noticed people treating her differently when she was wearing the mask.

"I've noticed that a lot of people give you a really wide birth (on the footpath). They treat you like you've got the plague," she said.

"I work in big retail here and I don't find it very safe. I already have a compromised immune system as well, so I think it's just sensible."

Horsham's Noel Janetzki was not wearing a mask, but said he would wear one when in confined spaces close to other people.

Mr Janetzki said the only problem with the mask was not being able to see each other's faces.

"There's nothing wrong with them," he said.

"You can still talk clearly. People just can't see your smiley face. Maybe you could draw one on the mask."

Horsham's Jim Donovan was less convinced masks were the right idea.

"I think there's a bit of, if you're going to get it, you're going to get it. If you're going to catch a cold, you're going to catch a cold," he said.

Mr Donovan said he was currently happy abiding by social distancing laws to keep himself and the community safe.

He said however that he might consider trying a mask in the future.

"I might try one to see what it's like," he said. "But it just doesn't look like you, does it?"

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