Coronavirus: Woolworths urges customers to wear masks in some Sydney stores

Woolworths is "strongly encouraging" customers across its stores in Sydney's southwest to wear masks while shopping.

It comes after a cluster of COVID-19 cases continue to be diagnosed across the local government areas of Fairfield and Liverpool.

Read live coverage of the coronavirus crisis here

"We have updated our advice in all our stores in the Local Government Areas of Fairfield and Liverpool with a close eye on other areas as the situation evolves," a statement from CEO Brad Banducci said.

"This is true for all Woolworths (including Metro), BWS, Dan Murphy's and BIG W stores.

"In these areas, we strongly encourage customers to wear a face covering when coming into any of our stores. "This is the same guidance we have given to our teams working in store in these areas, and we have provided them with masks to wear. We fully support all customers and team members who choose to wear a face covering."

Mr Banducci made note that anyone shopping in stores in greater Melbourne must wear musts and they are "fast becoming part of everyday life in Victoria (and indeed in many parts of Europe and the United States), it feels prudent to prepare for the same in NSW."

It comes as NSW health authorities issued a health alert for those who attended recent church and funeral services in Sydney 's southwest to be vigilant for COVID-19 symptoms.

NSW Health and the South Western Sydney Local Health District believe those who attended some services between 16 and 19 July may have been exposed to the virus.

For breaking news alerts and livestreams straight to your smartphone sign up to the 9News app and set notifications to on at the App Store or Google Play.

You can also get up-to-date information from the Federal Government's Coronavirus Australia app, available on the App Store, Google Play and the Government's WhatsApp channel.