Albury residents will be urged to wear masks at Woolworths stores from Monday under a new policy covering the ACT, NSW and parts of Queensland.
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The supermarket giant said on Thursday night it would "strongly encourage" face coverings in NSW, although shoppers would not be turned away if they didn't comply.
This advice covers Woolworths Supermarkets, Big W, BWS, Dan Murphy's, Woolworths Metro Food Stores and ALH Hotels.
This advice is in addition to the mandatory requirements for face coverings in Melbourne and Mitchell Shire, which will be extended to the entire state of Victoria on August 2.
Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci said the safety of customers and employees was a top priority, and Woolworths wpi;d continue to work with the federal health department.
"Even though wearing a face covering is not mandatory in NSW, ACT or Queensland, as the largest private sector employer with stores in almost every community, we feel it's important we lead the way in helping reduce community transmission of COVID-19," Mr Banducci said.
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He said Woolworths would provide masks to employees.
Mr Banducci said Woolworths executives would also wear masks to lead by example.
"Masks and face coverings are a highly visible symbol of the persistence of COVID-19.
"By encouraging and role modelling their use, it will further support the steps we need to collectively take to stop the spread of the virus and keep our team and customers safe."
On Thursday Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced wearing masks or face coverings would be mandatory for all Victorians from 11.59pm on Sunday.
It came after 723 new cases of COVID-19 were detected in Victoria.
Once North East residents cross into Albury or other parts of NSW, mask use is not required.
NSW recorded 18 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday.