State health minister Brad Hazzard announced the changes on Tuesday and said the decision allows for community members to access the health system and get essential medicine at a time when they may not be able to access their GP.

"The NSW Government recognises the role of community pharmacists as frontline health workers supporting the community," Mr Hazzard said.

"This new authority comes at a crucial time for NSW, when we are looking at keeping our entire medical ecosystem free of red tape.

"It gives our trusted community pharmacists the ability to dispense when people are not able to contact their GP to arrange a prescription at a time when we want everyone to stay home as much as possible."

Under the measures, the supply of medicine is subject to strict professional guidelines, with prescription medication only allowed be supplied if the patient has previously been prescribed the medicine by a doctor and the pharmacist is satisfied it is urgently needed.

Pharmacist at John Dodd Pharmacy John Dodd said the changes implemented by the state government were "positive" as it means less people will be in the store at any one given time, which reduces the risk of disease transmission.

"It can make things easier," Mr Dodd said.

"The less social contact the better ... [these changes] keep people in their homes for longer."

Mr Dodd said the pharmacy has seen an increase in foot traffic despite a tightening of restrictions as community members purchase essential medicines, but the moves implemented by the government will allow for medicine access to remain possible for the wider community at a time when GPs may be overwhelmed.

Measures are also in place to ensure access for prescription and over-the-counter medicine and Mr Hazzard further called for the community to respect staff on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I want to remind the community to not panic buy, not abuse staff, and be respectful of people who hold a very special place on the frontline of our fight to keep the community safe and well," Mr Hazzard said.

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The move follows a ruling from the ACCC which will allow medicine wholesalers to co-operate in order to help facilitate the distribution of essential medication and pharmacy products.

ACCC chairman Rod Sims said the move allows vital medicine to be made accessible to as many people as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Allowing pharmacy wholesalers to work together to help make vital medicines accessible to everyone during this pandemic is clearly in the national interest," Mr Sims said.

"I also urge consumers not to buy more medicines than they require, in order to ease supply restrictions for other patients and enable fair distribution to all Australians.

"We have approved this interim authorisation as a matter of urgency given the challenges to the health and medical system from this unprecedented pandemic."