NSW Health requiring masks to be worn

NSW Health has determined that given the current context of community transmission, they are escalating advice to cover ‘moderate risk’ of transmission according to the COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Response and Escalation Framework and poster. Ms Koff also emphasised that mask use supplements, but is not a substitute for other infection control precautions such as hand hygiene.
 
Optometry Australia has confirmed with NSW Health that this advice applies to optometrists in both public and private health care settings from today, Friday 24  July 2020. It also applies to dispensing and administrative staff if they are within 1.5m of patients. Patients are also required to wear a mask where possible, (children 12 years and under do not need to wear a mask) and it may be useful to remind your patients to bring one with them.