These include:

• libraries
• customer service centres
• community centres

NSW Government advice about mask use

From Friday 12 February, in Greater Sydney including Wollongong, Central Coast and the Blue Mountains, face masks are only mandatory on public transport.

NSW Health recommends you wear a face mask at indoor venues where physical distancing isn't possible but it isn't a mandatory requirement.

Masks on public transport

You must wear a mask on public transport including a taxi or a rideshare service or you may be fined $200 on the spot for not wearing a face mask.

You must also wear a mask when you are at a public transport waiting area which includes:

• the station area and platform of a passenger railway or light rail station
• a ferry wharf
• a bus stop or light rail stop, including any area where persons queue or gather when waiting at the stop
• a taxi rank, including any area where persons queue or gather when waiting at a taxi rank.

Type of face masks required

Disposable and cloth masks are available from supermarkets, pharmacies and hardware stores. If you’re looking for a little more flair and fashion with your face covering, you can pick up a bespoke design.

Under the public health order, a fitted face covering means a mask or other covering that:

• fits securely around the face
• is designed or made to be worn over the nose and mouth to provide the wearer with protection against infection.

Exemption criteria

The public health order includes several exemptions for not wearing or removing a mask under certain circumstances.

You are not required to wear a mask if you:

• are a child aged 12 or under
• have a physical or mental health illness or condition, or disability, that makes wearing a mask unsuitable such as a skin condition, intellectual disability, autism or trauma.

You may remove your mask when you are:

• eating or drinking
• communicating with another person who is deaf or hard of hearing
• asked to remove your mask for identity purposes.

A mask is not a substitute for good hand hygiene and physical distancing

The best ways to protect yourself and others against Covid-19 remain:

• practicing physical distancing and avoiding crowds
• washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap, or an alcohol-based hand-rub
• coughing or sneezing into your elbow or tissue
• staying home if unwell.

Visit NSW Health for further information on current restrictions.

Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 should get tested.

This information is accurate as of Thursday 11 February. Information may change. For up to date information visit the NSW Government website.