It’s hopefully 'second time lucky’ for New South Wales as the state takes its second attempt at easing face mask restrictions, with the mandate changing from today, only requiring masks to be worn in some settings. 

Following the removal of QR codes on entry last week, the change in the face mask mandate will come in from today, 25 February, in another step towards lowering the few Covid-19 restrictions that remain in place.

While most indoor spaces including offices and retail spaces are in the clear, environments that do require a facemask include airports, hospitals and aged care facilities, and public transport.

The change to the mandate is the second so far, after the relaxation in December last year was short-lived as the Omicron wave overtook NSW and the mandate was promptly reinstated. 

This time, the NSW government has shown a realistic approach to ongoing effects of Covid-19. 



NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said that as vaccination and immunity wanes, we will likely see more waves of Covid-19 in the future. 

“We will need to have an ongoing focus on high-risk settings that are vulnerable,” Dr Chant said. 

She said that additional vaccines could also be on the horizon, although it may be limited to the most vulnerable people. 

“The vaccination schedule that one person has will be different to another,” she said. 

Locals are still urged to remain diligent about personal hygiene and to maintain social distancing where appropriate.

“Even though we might move away from mandates…everyone has to make their own contribution,” Dr Chant said. 

In the Western NSW Health District there were 367 positive cases recorded yesterday, with 13 people in hospital across the district up to 4pm yesterday.