Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders says masks remain mandatory

Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders "debunked" the myth that the wearing of facemasks was no longer mandatory for the majority of the community in both outdoor and indoor settings.

"It's become apparent that some people think there's been a relaxing of a rule regarding masks. That is simply not the case, let me assure you that masks are remaining as mandatory," he said.

"The reason that I think some people have thought this has changed is that the mask order was a separate health order for a long time and has now been taken into the overall health orders.

"It is still listed as a health order, it just isn't in its own separate health order any more. There's been a lot of speculation around that and please be aware that masks do remain mandatory."

The message came on the same day that testing numbers across Western NSW hit record lows.

Around 1700 people in the region were tested for COVID on Wednesday, with around half of those taking place in Dubbo.

Chief executive of Western NSW Local Health District, Scott McLachlan, said false information such as the aforementioned facemask rules could have real consequences for communities.

"The one thing we know is facemasks are doing a fantastic job in stopping people from picking up COVID and spreading COVID," he said.

"The same restrictions still remain in place. When you go outside you need to have a facemask on, with the exception of a couple of exercise rules and other things.

"This is a really crucial time for us to stop and slow the spread of COVID in Western NSW. Don't compromise yourself or other people by not wearing a face mask either outdoors or indoors."

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