Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, and Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill have handed out free face masks to help keep early morning Blue Mountains commuters safe.

Ms Templeman and Cr Greenhill gave out the masks to those catching peak morning services from Blaxland station on Tuesday, August 4.

“There was an excellent response to the free masks, with the majority of commuters gladly taking one,” Ms Templeman said. “Those who didn’t take one generally already had their own.

“The Mayor has been setting a great example by wearing a mask when he catches a train, so it was terrific for both of us to encourage others to, when they can’t socially distance.

“On a train, you don’t have much control, and so many people use public transport because it’s simply too expensive to get into work any other way from the Mountains.

“It’s also really important to be aware of what you touch, and I would remind people to sanitise or wash their hands whenever they are out and about.

“By taking these really simple steps, we can help stop the spread of this deadly virus.

Cr Greenhill said, “I believe we are at a point where masks should be worn on public transport and in high volume areas where it is difficult to socially distance.

“It is clear that the pandemic is far from over,” he said. “With virus hot spots cropping up across the state, we have to take steps to protect ourselves and others that are beyond our comfort zones.

“Wearing masks and social distancing are part of this.

“Susan and I are pressing the message that these measures are part of our lives for the time being and we are encouraging people to put their safety and that of those around