If you cannot wear a face mask you need to carry supporting paperwork, that’s the updated message from the NSW Government, released this morning.
For those who cannot don a mask because of a disability, physical or mental health illness or condition, must now carry either a medical certificate or letter signed by a registered health practitioner (such as a doctor) or a registered NDIS provider or a statutory declaration.
Other changes applying to face mask usage are for Hunter residents travelling in a vehicle with a person who they do not live with. In this case a mask must be worn. (At this stage carpooling is currently not allowed in Greater Sydney).
Face masks remain compulsory when using public transport, in non-residential indoor areas, in airports, and on commercial domestic flights.
Government advice stipulates residents do not need to wear face masks when they are on their own in their own home or in their home with other people they live with, except if someone in the household is self-isolating.
To help stop the spread of COVID-19, face masks, health officials say, should be worn whenever you are near other people you do not live with, including family, friends, neighbours or work colleagues, when walking on a busy street, or near people in a crowded place.
When travelling in a vehicle alone, or with other people you live with, face masks are unnecessary.
State government health advice is also to wear a face mask any time that you cannot stay 1.5 metres away from other people.
For more detail on face mask requirements go to www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/face-mask-rules
