Maintain physical distancing
Help reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection by staying 1.5 metres away from other people where possible and avoiding close contact with people you do not live with.
For community safety, encourage physical distancing

What physical or social distancing means
Physical or social distancing means reducing the close physical contact we have with people and staying 1.5m away from people we don't live with.
Premises should consider how they can allow customers or groups of customers to practice physical distancing in their COVID-19 Safety Plans.
How do I self-isolate from my household if I have COVID-19?
If you live with other people, you should stay separated from them during your self-isolation period. This means:
- stay and sleep in a separate room
- use a separate bathroom if available
- do not be in the same room as another person
Please see the NSW Health COVID-19 Self-Isolation Guideline for further information on how to self-isolate and what support is available if you need it.
Reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection
You can reduce the risk of infection from COVID-19 through physical distancing.
Along with vaccination, wearing a mask and good personal hygiene, physical distancing can help keep us all safe and protect people at higher risk of severe illness.
To keep yourself and others safe
- get vaccinated
- wear a mask
- 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 1.5m between yourself and other people
- do not shake hands, hug or kiss as a greeting
- 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.
NSW Health strongly recommends that you carry a clean face mask with you and wear it if you are unable to maintain 1.5m of physical distance from others.
Learn more about when to wear a face mask.
Related information
Contacts and enquiries
Links
- Call Service NSW 7am - 7pm, Monday to Friday and 9am - 5pm on weekends and public holidays 13 77 88east
- Call the National Coronavirus and COVID-19 Vaccine Helpline on 1800 020 080 (24 hours, 7 days a week)east
- Call Disability Gateway on 1800 643 787east
- Report public health order offences to Crime Stopperseast
- Get guidance for your business with the Business Concierge serviceeast