The NSW Government is "strongly encouraging" the use of masks in high-risk public settings, including supermarkets, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The advice was issued by NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant yesterday and reiterated by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian today.
According to the Health Advice Update on Masks, the government recommends the use of face masks in indoor settings where physical distancing is hard to maintain, such as on public transport or in supermarkets; or among staff where there is a higher risk of transmission, such as hospitality and customer-facing venues such as cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs.
Those attending places of worship are also being encouraged to wear a mask.
The health advice said wearing a mask while "not mandatory" was "highly recommended, especially in areas where there has been community transmission".
Ms Berejiklian said this morning: "When we are in certain environments we should be wearing a mask if we can not maintain social distancing", adding the next few weeks were "absolutely critical for NSW".
Her comments came the day after Victoria declared a state of emergency and introduced stage 4 restrictions, including a curfew from 8pm each day.
Ms Berejiklian said a mask was not a substitute for physical distancing.
"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."
Dr Chant said masks were the "fourth line of defence" after staying home if unwell, getting tested, maintaining 1.5-metre social distancing and good hand hygiene.
She said cloth masks were acceptable as long as they were made from three layers of breathable fabric to ensure adequate protection and washed after each use or once a day.
"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."
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