Health officials have urged people to bring their own mask. However, those without a mask who need to enter the hospital will be given one by staff.

Western NSWLHD chief executive Scott McLachlan said it was an increased infection control measure to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading in the community.

"We are urging the community to be prepared and to bring their own mask when they come to our health services," he said.

"All visitors are required to wear a mask if they are coming into a health facility for any reason. If they are already wearing a cloth or surgical mask, they can continue to wear this.

"A mask will be provided during wellness screening when you enter the hospital if you don't have a mask already."

Mr McLachlan said posters would be on display showing people how to correctly wear the masks.

"If visitors have underlying health issues that they believe might prevent them from wearing a mask, they should contact their local health service before they visit to get advice."

The compulsory mask rule also applies to staff who are caring or working within 1.5 metres of any patient.

"Where possible, patients coming to a health service will be required to wear a mask and those patients already in hospital will be required to wear a mask outside their clinical area/ward."

The only exemption is for children.

"At this stage, children 12 years old and under are not required to wear a mask if they do not have any symptoms," he said.

"We still need everyone to continue to practice physical distancing and hand washing and sanitising.

"The safety or our staff, patients and visitors is our priority and all visitors and staff must pass all applicable screening processes in place including temperature checking at all entrances to the facility."

Mr McLachlan said people also needed to be tested if they were showing any signs of COVID-19 syptoms.

"If you are unwell do not visit. If you have even the mildest cough, fever, runny nose or difficulty breathing, please visit one of our COVID-19 clinics or call your doctor."

A WNSLHD spokeswoman said people coming to the hospital this week had followed the guidelines.

Wearing masks in public will be mandatory in country Victoria from Sunday night but it is not the case in NSW.

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