Explainer: Are South Australians required to wear face masks in public?

As South Australia continues the first day of a hard lockdown, there has been some confusion around whether masks are compulsory for those in the state.

While Premier Steven Marshall said masks were a "good line of defence" against the virus, they have not been declared mandatory.

SA Health reaffirmed the premier's advice, but said current recommendations are not that mask wearing is mandatory.

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"We have not been given direction to say mask wearing is mandatory, we do however strongly recommend wearing one when outdoors if possible," a spokesperson told 9News.com.au.

"This advice may change in coming days however no updates to current directions will be made this afternoon and advice on the SA Health and SA Government websites is up to date."

While not compulsory, all South Australians are urged to wear a protective face mask if leaving their homes for one of the reasons approved by authorities.

SA Police confirmed some discretion will be used in coming days if someone is caught without a mask while outside, but everyone is encouraged to get and wear them as soon as possible.

While masks are not yet mandatory for South Australians, Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier also confirmed "stricter conditions for wearing masks" are being considered.

After yesterday's lockdown announcement, South Australians rushed to their local shops in a panic to stock up on groceries and protective equipment for the next six days.

Many have raised concerns that masks are in short supply due to the shopping frenzy, but SA Police have assured the state there is plenty of stock and more on the way.

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"Where possible, you should wear a face mask but we will be providing more information when we work out the logistics of making the supply to South Australians across the board," SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said.

Health authorities are reminding the public to ensure cloth masks are three layers thick if they are homemade and single use surgical masks are available at most retailers and pharmacies.

When wearing a mask, you must ensure your nose and mouth are covered at all times and it is secured with ties at the back of your head or elastic around your ears.

SA Health recommend washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water and using hand sanitiser before putting your protective mask on.

People are also urged not to touch their face or eyes as this can also spread the virus even if a mask is worn.