Residents in regionals areas are encouraged to wear masks out in public despite it not being compulsory.
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The comment came from NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard who addressed demonstrations against the mandate to wear masks in Greater Sydney.
"Can I also just say to regional New South Wales residents - the use of a mask is not compulsory indoors, but I would say to you as health minister that it would still be safer for you," he said.
"We're hoping this virus is contained and we are doing everything we can on the basis of health advice to contain the virus, but there's no guarantee in a COVID-world.
"So for those of you in the bush, in the regions, please consider using a mask."
"You're doing what you should be doing in terms of leading the way to wear a mask if you can, [if] you don't have emphysema or other health issues, wear it, it's the safest thing," he said.
NSW has recorded no new locally acquired coronavirus cases over a designated 24-hour period for the first time in almost three weeks.
In the 24 hours to 8pm Sunday, the state recorded only seven new cases in returned overseas travellers in hotel quarantine.
But two new local cases were recorded after that 24-hour period ended.
The cases are connected to the Western Sydney BWS, Acting Premier John Barilaro said on Monday.
Despite the better news, Mr Barilaro said testing numbers were still "far too low" and implored residents in western Sydney to attend clinics if they have the slightest of symptoms, even if they have been tested previously.