Dubbo's airport operator has left face masks as optional in the terminal, but reports it is "continuously following the advice" of state and federal authorities about the item of protective gear.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
At the weekend as NSW recorded another 12 new COVID-19 cases, the state government strongly recommended people wear masks in high-risk situations.
While stopping short of making them compulsory, Premier Gladys Berejiklian revealed she carried a mask at all times and suggested everyone follow suit for situations where social distancing was impossible.
Airline Fly Corporate has already made masks compulsory for its passengers from check-in at all terminals.
But on Monday the policy at the airport, operated by Dubbo Regional Council, left the use of a mask as optional.
"While masks have not been made compulsory by the state government, we certainly support people's decision to use face masks, and are continuously following the advice of state and federal authorities around the use of face masks," Dubbo City Regional Airport manager Jacki Parish said.
While masks have not been made compulsory by the state government, we certainly support people's decision to use [them]...
- Dubbo City Regional Airport manager Jacki Parish
"We are aware that some airlines make it compulsory to wear masks on board, and that decision is entirely up to the individual airline."
Ms Parish said the organisation understood it had a responsibility to help protect the public during the coronavirus pandemic, and to that end had restrictions and guidelines in place to protect staff and passengers.
"These measures can be clearly seen upon entry and exit to the terminal, with signage, hand sanitising stations, strict social distancing requirements, and frequent cleaning just some of the measures we have in place," she said.
"...NSW Police Force are continuously providing additional support at the DCRA in monitoring the activities of passengers and their family or friends at the airport, to ensure their compliance."
There was a coordinated approach from airports, airlines, NSW Health and police in ensuring the relevant health checks were undertaken at Orange Airport prior to the passenger's arrival in Dubbo from Victoria, Ms Parish said.
All passengers are disembarked, and temperature checked, before they're permitted to reboard the plane.
Do you have something to say? We welcome your letters which may run in print and online.