Schools have been asked to reduce mingling and attendance numbers to graduations and formals. Dance floors will only be permitted outside or in well-ventilated areas.

Dancing with partners from outside the school community will be permitted, but partners must be from the same community, and be known to socialise with the graduating students.

Additionally, tables must be restricted to 10 people and the venue must not exceed one person per every four square metres.

If students are signing yearbooks, it is encouraged that they bring their own pens and at all times must follow good hand hygiene practices.

To ensure the safety of the community, formals and graduations will only be permitted after the HSC exams have been completed on November 12.

NSW Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said this was to reduce disruption to the final exams by minimising the likelihood of virus transmission during the exam timetable.

"With less than six weeks to the start of the HSC exams, students can focus on their final studies knowing that there will be official opportunities to celebrate their schooling," Ms Mitchell said.

"We are encouraging schools to use strategies that discourage spontaneous crowding, including when arriving or leaving the event.

"Students should restrict the number of guests they bring to graduation events, and schools are encouraged to live-stream these ceremonies for anyone not able to attend."