Physical distancing

Slowing the spread of COVID-19 in NSW

NSW residents can help to reduce the risk of infection from COVID-19 (coronavirus) through physical distancing.

When physical distancing is combined with good personal hygiene, the spread of a pandemic through the community can be slowed. This helps protect the most vulnerable members of the community and reduces the impact of the pandemic on essential, life-saving health services.

There are many actions individuals, employers and organisations can take now to promote physical distancing and help reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection in our community.

Face masks

With community transmission occurring in the state, the NSW Government strongly recommends you take extra precautions to protect others.

It is really important that you carry a clean face mask with you at all times and wear it if it is hard to maintain 1.5 metres of physical distance from others.

Wearing a mask in NSW is not mandatory however NSW Health strongly recommends people wear a mask when unable to physically distance, particularly in indoor settings, to keep everyone safe. 

You should also wear a mask if you:

• have any symptoms and are seeking medical care
• are going to get tested
• are in the same room as another person when you have symptoms or have been asked to self-isolate.

Learn more about when to wear a face mask.

Reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection

Combined with good personal hygiene, physical distancing can help keep us all safe and protect vulnerable people in our community.

Take these important steps to keep yourself and others safe.

• Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Keep a distance of 1.5 metres between yourself and other people.
• Do not shake hands, hug or kiss as a greeting.
• Get a seasonal flu shot.
• Avoid visiting vulnerable people, such as those in aged care facilities or hospitals, infants, or people with compromised immune systems.
• If possible, use debit and credit cards instead of cash and make use of online and self-serve transactions.
• If you do have symptoms, get tested and stay at home. 

Find out more about how you can protect yourself and others.

Community connections

Connecting with your community will help with staying mentally healthy.

• Stay informed. Use information from reputable sources including this website, the Australian Government website and the NSW Government Facebook page.
• Support others in our community or find the support you need. Look out for neighbours and family or volunteer to help others.
• Keep connected to your family, friends and work colleagues through phone, email, video calls and social media, where possible.
• Download the translated resources for the languages spoken in your family or community.