At this critical time it’s important that we all work together to keep Australia safe. 

These rules have been proven to be the most effective to stop the spread of COVID-19:

• Stay 1.5 metres apart from others – when that’s not possible, wear a face mask
• Practice good hand washing hygiene
• Stick to the rules about visiting other households
• Get tested immediately if you have any symptoms and stay home while waiting for results
• If you go out to a restaurant, café or pub, the maximum group size is 10 and you must sign in

Please follow the rules and stay safe.

When to wear a face mask

We strongly encourage you to carry face masks in your pocket or bag. Wear one when you’re in public and it’s difficult to maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres from others.

These situations include when you’re on public transport, in supermarkets, when working in customer-facing roles such as in cafés and retail, and when visiting places of worship.

Did you know that 18-35 year olds have the highest rate of COVID-19 infections?  

Play it safe and get tested if you have any symptoms or have been in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case.

The advice from the NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant specifically recommends:

• the use of face masks in indoor settings where physical distancing is hard to maintain, such as on public transport or in supermarkets
• the use of face masks (where practical) in indoor settings with a higher risk of transmissions, such as for the staff of hospitality and customer-facing venues i.e. cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs
• during attendance at places of worship.

Wearing a mask in any of these settings is not mandatory but is highly recommended, especially in areas where there has been community transmission.   

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said a mask is not a substitute for physical distancing.

“People should continue to maintain their physical distance – it is our most effective weapon. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you can’t maintain your physical distance you should wear a mask,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“It is critical the community understands masks should be used in conjunction with other measures, and not as a standalone measure.”

Masks should be considered a “fourth line of defence” after staying home if unwell and getting tested, maintaining 1.5-metre social distancing and good hand hygiene.

It is imperative the community understands if they have symptoms they should immediately be tested and self-isolate.

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said masks are not suitable for everyone such as young children.

“Currently in NSW, the rate of community transmission does not call for mandatory mask use in the general population,” Dr Chant said.

“However, along with practising good hand-hygiene, people are encouraged to wear face masks particularly in indoor settings where physical distancing is hard to maintain, such as on public transport. Most of all, stay home if you are unwell.

“NSW Health is continuing to monitor the situation and provide timely advice to the Government on the best defence against this once-in-a-100-year pandemic.”