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.

Physical distancing means we reduce close physical contact we have with one another.

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.

Staying connected as a community

Keep connected as a community by taking some simple steps.

• 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. Look out for neighbours and family.
• Keep connected to your family, friends, work colleagues through phone, email and social media, where possible.
• Visit physical distancing multilingual resources. 

How to reduce exposure and stay healthy

The most important action you can take is to practise good hand hygiene.

To reduce your exposure and chances of getting COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw used tissues in the bin and clean your hands with soap and water or sanitiser. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into a flexed elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces each day.
• Stay home if you are sick and don’t expose others. If you are unwell with flu-like symptoms, do not go outside your home, do not go to work, school or shops unless it is essential.
• Get a flu shot when it becomes available.
• Talk with your doctor and pharmacist about getting an emergency supply of any medications that you or your family regularly take.
• Do not shake hands, hug or kiss as a greeting.
• Keep a distance of 1.5 metres between yourself and other people.
• Avoid visiting vulnerable people, such as those in aged care facilities or hospitals, infants, or people with compromised immune systems.
• Visit shops sparingly, buy food online where possible and consider home delivery and take-away.
• Use debit and credit cards instead of cash where possible and make use of online and self-serve transactions.
• Use public transport in off-peak periods if you can.