All hospitals in the Western NSW Local Health District are implementing new 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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He said the change affects staff, visitors and patients.

"From this week, 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," he said.

"All health services will have posters on display, to assist visitors to 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.

"Where possible, patients coming to a health service will be required to wear a mask and those patients already in hospital may be required to wear a mask outside their room."

Mr Spittal said the use of masks does not mean physical distancing and hand washing is not needed.

"The safety of 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," he said.

"Visitors to any of our hospitals or health services should check in advance to make sure they know and understand the rules at that time, 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."

Oberon Pharmacy has a supply of masks in-store. Cloth and surgical masks help stop droplets spreading when people talk, cough and sneeze, reducing the risk of spreading the virus.