With Woolworths requiring people wear masks when shopping and the entire state of Victoria ordering residents to wear masks outside, the demand for the protective items has surged.
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Residents have been arriving at Leeton's Two Friends craft store to get the materials they need to make their own.
Two Friends' Meg Rowlands said there wasn't much interest in home-made masks until the last fortnight.
"In the last two weeks, we've up to 50 people," Miss Rowlands said.
"A lot of the people are coming in asking for fabric, elastic and filters.
"Some are making them for their relatives in Victoria, they have family down there and they can't get mask because they're in such high demand."
Pre-made masks area often be made to be worn once and usually come in one colour.
"A lot of people have chosen flannelette, softer cottons and bright colours so they're a bit more fashionable," Miss Rowlands said.
"It's good to see Leeton taking up the masks, we're far away but (coronavirus) doesn't take long to spread."
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Miss Rowlands said a number of people had gotten their own masks made because they still had medical appointments in other towns, and wanted to stay safe.
"I think the spike in people getting masks is a good thing," she said.
"It's people being responsible. It's beautiful that people are looking after each other, it's not just looking after our own community, but other communities that people might visit."
Miss Rowlands said Two Friends was looking at doing a workshop on how masks can be made in the next couple of weeks.
Meanwhile, at Leeton Discount Pharmacy, owner TJ Patel had seen a huge increase in demand following new rules for wearing masks in Victoria.
"It's the thing to do for the safety of yourself and others," Mr Patel said.
"Even if it's not mandatory at the moment (in NSW), if we all wear the masks it will prevent the spread of the virus," he said.
Like many businesses, see-through plastic sneeze shields have been installed in the pharmacy designed to protect staff and customers.
He said even one case would have a significant effect not only on customers who visit pharmacies but staff working there.
"The drive-through window is one of the best thing that we have done," Mr Patel said.
"It means customers can still get personal service but don't get exposed to the risks which come with contact with another person.
"Social distancing is key, as is the mask and ensuring hand hygiene."
Declan Rurenga
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
