Port Macquarie-Hastings residents and visitors are supporting the COVID-19 risk reduction benefits of wearing face masks where social distancing can be problematic.
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Margaret Racklyeft wore her mask for the first time while shopping at Woolworths Lake Cathie.
Woolworths is strongly encouraging the use of face coverings by staff and customers, even though it's not mandatory in the state.
"The safety and wellbeing of our customers, teams and the Port Macquarie and Camden Haven community is our top priority," said Woolworths Port Macquarie group manager Craig Feuz.
"By encouraging their use, it further supports the steps we need to collectively take to stop the spread of the virus."
Mrs Racklyeft said it's a good initiative and would like to see other organisations follow the same advice.
She acknowledged it's important to wear the face mask while also upholding other safety initiatives such as social distancing and washing hands regularly.
John and Doreen Usher are visitors from Portland, NSW.
The couple said they will wear masks in public spaces and had already used coverings at the bank, before attending the shops at Lake Cathie.
"If we're all prepared to do the right thing we'll be safe," he said. "Now we always keep them (masks) in our pockets."
The NSW government has strongly recommended people wear masks in high-risk situations.