Overview
The humble face mask is about to enjoy a peak in popularity, after the NSW Government strongly recommended Sydeysiders start wearing face coverings, at a press conference over the weekend. Premier Gladys Berejiklian has outlined four key situations where masks should be worn: if you're in an enclosed space and can't social distance, such as at a supermarket or on public transport; if you're working a customer-facing job, such as hospitality or retail; if you're attending a place of worship; and if you're in an area where there is high levels of community transmission.
Some NSW businesses are also calling on Sydneysiders to mask up, including Woolworths, Bunnings and — most recently — Uber.
The ride-sharing app sent out an alert to Uber users last night, Thursday, August 6, saying the company "now recommends wearing a face cover in NSW when riding or driving with the Uber app".
It's not the only change Uber has made during the pandemic, either. Early on — back in April — Uber announced it was distributing tens of millions of masks to drivers around the world and it launched an in-app COVID-19 hub.
To improve hygiene and social distancing, Uber also no longer allows riders to sit in the front seat and it encourages hand-washing/sanitising before getting in the car.
The announcement comes as the rate of community transmission has increased over recent weeks in NSW, with 12 new cases recorded in the 24 hours leading up to 8pm on Wednesday, August 5. Ten of those are linked to known cases and two are under investigation.
With cases confirmed across a number of suburbs, NSW Health is asking anyone who lives in or has visited the following areas in the past 14 days to get tested if they have any symptoms: Bankstown, Cambelltown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Liverpool, Parramatta, Potts Point, Carnes Hill shops, Prestons, Bonnyrigg, Wetherill Park, Mt Pritchard, Cabramatta and Perisher. You can find out closest testing clinic over here.
For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website.