Kim Butler has been sewing reusable masks as a side business since the pandemic began, and since they became mandatory it has created a steady stream of demand.

Ms Butler said Wagga has been great in taking up the masks, but unfortunately she has witnessed a small group of people taking it upon themselves to harass someone not wearing the mask.

"In my retail day job, we have a couple of ladies who are exempt from wearing a mask," she said.

"It was posted about on social media and they have had people be really rude to them.

"I just don't think that is necessary to act like that. People should be kind to others, especially with everything going on."

Ms Butler encouraged everyone to do the right thing, but also to not make assumptions about why someone was not wearing a mask.

IN OTHER NEWS:

NSW Health said the public health order includes a number of lawful reasons for not wearing a mask.

People are exempt if they have a physical or mental health illness or condition, or disability, that makes wearing a mask unsuitable.

For example, if they have a skin condition, an intellectual disability, autism or trauma, they are not required to wear a mask.

NSW Health also urges people to be respectful to people who are not wearing a mask, as the reasons for not wearing one are not always visible or obvious.

RULES TO KEEP IN MIND:

Masks should not be worn by toddlers under two years of age and babies, as they are a choking and suffocation risk.

NSW Health said if you are stopped by a regulatory officer in a setting where masks are mandatory, they will ask you to confirm the lawful reason you are not wearing a face mask.

A regulatory officer can be anyone employed at a local level to help a business follow the rules, such as a security guard.

"Officers will only issue penalty notices if you clearly refuse to wear a mask without a lawful reason," NSW Health said.

"If you have a condition that prevents you from wearing a mask, you may wish to ask your registered health practitioner or disability care provider to issue a letter confirming this.

"However, this is not a requirement under the public health order."

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