But for those like Evelyn Pride, covering their mouth is as hard a task as any.

Ms Pride has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as well as asthma. These two both mean that her breathing is restricted without adding a face covering into the mix.

Current NSW Government guidelines state that you must wear a fitted face mask when you are in an indoor area of a non-residential premises in NSW.

Examples of these can include supermarkets, shopping centres, bank branches and post offices.

"I have enough trouble breathing without the mask," Ms Pride said.

"So when this COVID thing broke out, I was worried because I've got doctors appointments and everything to go to."

But there are exemptions for people who are unable to wear a mask.

One of the categories listed on the NSW Government website is 'lawful reasons for not wearing a mask'.

Under this it states: "The public health order includes a number of lawful reasons for not wearing a mask.

"You are not required to wear a mask if you have a physical or mental health illness or condition, or disability, that makes wearing a mask unsuitable. For example, if you have a skin condition, an intellectual disability, autism or trauma, you are not required to wear a mask."

This is exactly what Ms Pride's grandchildren told her.

"They sent me something from the Government saying that anyone with breathing problems was exempt and I said to my granddaughter that I would ring the police just to confirm anyway," Ms Pride added.

"The young lady I spoke to was absolutely gorgeous and that's why I give a big thumbs up to Orange police.

"I told her everything and she said I was definitely exempt from wearing a mask and told me that the next time I saw my doctor to ask him to write out a medical certificate which I've got."

In relation to documentation to prove you are exempt, the NSW Government website says that if you are stopped by a regulatory officer in a setting where masks are mandatory, they will ask you to confirm the lawful reason you are not wearing a face mask.

"Officers will only issue penalty notices if you clearly refuse to wear a mask without a lawful reason," it read.

"If you have a condition that prevents you from wearing a mask, you may wish to ask your registered health practitioner or disability care provider to issue a letter confirming this.

"However, this is not a requirement under the public health order.

"In other circumstances, if you are eating or drinking, or there is an emergency, you will not be expected to continue wearing a mask."

Ms Pride says that when she goes out in public without a mask on, she has received a few weird looks.

"I've had a couple of people turn to me while I'm out and go 'where's your mask' and I show them the certificate and they apologise," she said.

"It's part and parcel of our living now, unfortunately."

She is hoping that by speaking out, that others may be able to received similar reprieve if they are eligible.

"If you're having breathing problems, whether it be COPD, asthma and you cannot wear a mask or tolerate the mask, for god's sake, go and speak to your doctor and it's a matter of him typing you out a certificate," she said.

"I'm only too happy to give a shout out to anyone who has breathing problems. I hope and pray I can help someone else."

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