Physical distancing

Reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection

You can help reduce the risk of infection from COVID-19 (coronavirus) through physical distancing. Combined with good personal hygiene, physical distancing can help keep us all safe and protect vulnerable people in our community.

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 before winter
• if possible, use debit and credit cards instead of cash and make use of online and self-serve transactions.

It's particularly important to take these precautions when visiting vulnerable people, such as those in aged care facilities or hospitals, infants, or people with compromised immune systems.

If you do have COVID-19 symptoms, get tested and stay at home. 

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

Face masks

Wearing a mask in NSW is not mandatory however NSW Health strongly recommends that you carry a clean face mask with you and wear it if you:

• are in indoor areas such as shopping centres, supermarkets and retail services, places of worship, entertainment venues, healthcare facilities and aged care facilities
• are unable to maintain 1.5 metres of physical distance from others
• are travelling on public transport or using ride share services and taxis
• have any COVID-19 symptoms and are going to get tested
• are in the same room as another person when you have symptoms or have been asked to self-isolate
• are visiting a vulnerable person.

Learn more about when to wear a face mask.