Physical distancing

What physical or social distancing means

Physical or social distancing means reducing the close physical contact we have with people and staying 1.5 metres away from people we don't live with. 

People living in the same household do not need to be 1.5 metres from each other.

Premises should consider how they can allow customers or groups of customers to practice physical distancing in their COVID-19 Safety Plans.

Face masks

NSW Health strongly recommends that you carry a clean face mask with you and wear it if you are unable to maintain 1.5 metres of physical distance from others.

Learn more about when to wear a face mask.

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.

Further information

Visit NSW Government website https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/social-distancing for the complete resource and up-to-date information and rules.