In 2003, it was ‘profiteering’ and playing on peoples “fears and anxieties” to sell surgical masks under the pretence that they provided “effective” protection against the SARS virus. Individuals and businesses faced fines of $22,000 and $110,000 respectively
In 2021, individuals and businesses face fines for NOT wearing or carrying around those very same (dubiously effective) masks. Fines are currently $500 and $55,000 respectively.
Retailers who cash in on community fears about SARS by exaggerating the health benefits of surgical masks could face fines of up to $110,000.
NSW Fair Trading Minister Reba Meagher yesterday warned that distributors and traders could be prosecuted if it was suggested the masks offered unrealistic levels of protection from the disease.
“I’m sure everyone would agree that it is un-Australian to profiteer from people’s fears and anxieties,” Ms Meagher said.
“There appears to be some debate about whether surgical masks are able to minimise the effects of SARS.”
Health authorities have warned that surgical masks may not be an effective protection against the virus.
“Those masks are only effective so long as they are dry,” said Professor Yvonne Cossart of the Department of Infectious Diseases at the University of Sydney.
“As soon as they become saturated with the moisture in your breath they stop doing their job and pass on the droplets.”
Professor Cossart said that could take as little as 15 or 20 minutes, after which the mask would need to be changed.
John Bell from the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, who owns a pharmacy in Woollahra, Sydney, said mask supplies were running low.
Mr Bell agreed with Professor Cossart’s assessment regarding the effectiveness of the masks.
“I think they’re of marginal benefit,” he said. “In a way they give some comfort to people who think they’re doing as much as they can do to prevent the infection.”
… “We were told you need 16 layers on your mask for it to offer 95 per cent protection,” Ms Taylor said.
Sydney Morning Herald, 2003
Damn those Charlatans trying to pass masks off as something they are not. Throw the book at them!
The bugmen class is incompetent and stupid, it only knows virtue signalling as its primary tool. One day it will denounce masks the next day, the bugmen class will mandate them. Power gives the bugmen class a dopamine high. Each high makes the bugmen crave another hit. The bugmen class have no genitals, they are non-binary and have an average IQ of 95, which is just barely enough to be awed by critical race theory and gender study verbiage.
I have to post this again.
They must be mocked.
Oh my god.
This blows all of this nonsense out of the water.
LOL
Who moderated my obvious joke username?
There’s a reason why protests are banned now in NSW – normally they are simply ignored.
We can’t have the common people questioning authority figures, can we now?
The contradictions between 2003 and current year are simply explosive.
Dot, every first comment passes my desk. You’re good to go.
Great find, Filbert and Mater. You can only contradict yourself in such a manner without fear of exposure when you have the full support of the Cathedral behind you. Nevertheless, it also illustrates the contempt they have for the public.
Cheers Gents!
I have an exemption for the mask. And for medical reasons have appointments 4 days next week. Annnd, with due regard to Bob Peele’s rules for policing, these fascist Myrmadons are not policing with my consent.
I look forward to amusing myself at the expense of the staasi. Hope it doesn’t backfire though.
Just wondering if Cassie might consider sending this clipping on to Alan Jones.
IIRC she has had successful comms with him previously.