All hospitals and health services across the Western NSW Local Health District are implementing the new statewide requirements for staff and visitors to wear face masks.

Western NSW director of operations Mark Spittal said NSW Health had responded to the risk of community transmission of COVID-19 by increasing infection control measures.

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"This change impacts staff, visitors and patients," Mr Spittal said.

"From today, all visitors must wear a mask when they are in any of our health facilities. We encourage people to wear their own masks as long as they are in good condition.

"All health services will have posters on display, to assist visitors use their masks correctly.

"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.

"In addition to visitors wearing a mask, all staff caring for or working within 1.5 metres of any patient will also be required to wear surgical masks."

Mr Spittal said, where possible, patients coming to hospital would also be required to wear a mask and patients already in hospital may be required to wear a mask outside their room.

"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.

"The use of masks does not mean physical distancing and hand washing/sanitising should not be adhered to.

"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 Spittal said visitors to any western district hospitals or health services should check in advance to make sure they understand the rules, and follow the directions of staff.

"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," he said.

For more information about COVID-19 please call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 088 or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.