Guidance on wearing face masks
Face masks help stop viruses from spreading through the air so you are less likely to catch or spread them. When you wear a face mask, you protect yourself and others from respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and flu.
Face masks to protect yourself and others
Stay home if you have cold or flu symptoms. Please wear a mask if you have symptoms and need to leave home. You should not visit people at higher risk of severe illness, but if you must visit, it is strongly recommended you wear a mask.
Some people, including those at higher risk of severe illness, may choose to wear a mask to protect themselves, such as when indoors or in crowded settings like public transport. Be kind and considerate of someone’s choice to wear a mask.
Face masks in high-risk and health settings
You may be required to wear a mask in NSW when visiting high-risk settings such as aged and disability care. Masks may also be required in hospitals, general practices, medical centres and pharmacies. Wearing a mask in these settings helps protect people at higher risk of severe illness and staff.
Mask wearing at your local hospital is based on community transmission of respiratory viruses like COVID-19. Please check with the facility. Read advice on visiting hospitals.
Tips on wearing a face mask
- Wash or sanitise your hands before putting on or taking off your mask.
Ensure the mask covers your nose and mouth and fits snugly under your chin, over the bridge of your nose and against the sides of your face.
Refrain from touching the front of your mask while wearing or removing it.
Do not allow the mask to hang around your neck or under your nose.
When removing your mask, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth at all times. Wash or sanitise your hands after taking off your mask.
Do not reuse single-use masks.
- Do not use masks with holes or a valve, as you will breathe out the virus if you have COVID-19 and spread the infection to other people.
Single-use masks
Single-use masks include:
- Surgical masks – pale blue or white medical style masks
- P2/N95 masks – also known as P2/N95 respirators can filter out very fine particles from the air when worn correctly. They can also provide better protection against infections than surgical masks. Follow the mask manufacturer’s instructions or ‘Tips on wearing a face mask’ to fit your mask correctly.
Buy single-use masks from reputable retail outlets including chemists and supermarkets.
Dispose of single-use masks in a general rubbish bin, not in the recycling.
Reusable cloth masks
Cloth masks are effective in reducing transmission of COVID-19 to other people when they are made and worn correctly.
To ensure adequate protection, cloth masks should have at least 3 layers of fabric. See instructions for how to make a cloth mask.
Cloth masks are less effective when damp. Cloth masks should be washed after each use or at least daily. Reusing a cloth mask without washing can lead to self-contamination.
Other face coverings
Face shields
Face shields are not a substitute for face masks, however if you are unable to wear a mask but would like to wear a face covering, you may find it easier to wear a face shield.
Scarfs and bandanas
A scarf or bandana is not recommended as they do not offer the same amount of protection as a well-fitted mask. Using a scarf is also an infection risk, because they are re-used.