The people of NSW are being strongly encouraged to wear facemasks in high-risk public settings to help prevent the spread of the deadly COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
New advice from NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant recommends the use of face masks in indoor settings where physical distancing is hard to maintain, such as on public transport or in supermarkets; indoor settings with higher risk of transmission, such as customer facing venues; and during attendance at places of worship.
Dr Chant said wearing a mask in any of those settings was not mandatory but was highly recommended, especially in areas where there had been community transmission.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian supported the suggestion but warned a mask was not a substitute for physical distancing.
“People should continue to maintain their physical distance – it is our most effective weapon,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“However, if you find yourself in a situation where you can’t maintain your physical distance you should wear a mask,” she said.
“It is critical the community understands masks should be used in conjunction with other measures, and not as a standalone measure.”
Ms Berejiklian said 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.
She said properly constructed cloth masks were acceptable, but it was important they were ideally made from three layers of breathable fabric and washed after each use, or at least daily.
