Locally-made fabric face masks in high demand in Tamworth after sudden COVID-19 mask mandate

The state's toughest mask mandate was suddenly introduced, making face masks mandatory at indoor non-residential premises across NSW in the wake of a two-week COVID-19 lockdown for Sydney and surrounding areas.

Hand-made, washable fabric face masks are highly sought after and local suppliers are already being run off their feet.

Roslyn Hurst makes masks from her Tamworth home and said she's been absolutely inundated by requests to purchase her products.

"I had more than 20 people come to my home to buy masks today and my phone has just not stopped ringing all day," she said.

"I'll be sewing into the night."

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Kootingal's Dottie Gilchrist who operates at-home business Dottie's Crafts also said sales have 'hottened up' with the new restrictions, but luckily she has the supply.

"I've sold about 50 since the new restrictions came in," she said.

"We still have quite a lot here, we were prepared, but it looks as though they're going to go so I might get stuck into making more.

"But we will see how it goes, because it's a pretty fickle market."

The Lemon House owner Kathy Keating said their shop has also been inundated and they sold out on Monday, but should have new stock in on Tuesday or Wednesday, including children's masks.

Tamworth businesses Sew Resin and OLTO Handmade are also taking orders, following a mad rush for their products.

Ms Hurst is currently taking mask orders by phone on 0427 785 609.

Or, to order a mask from Dottie's Crafts call 0428 603 414.

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