The NSW Government announced upgraded COVID-19 rules for regional areas on Saturday, in the wake of the ongoing Sydney outbreak.

The new rules kicked in on Saturday afternoon and included all residents having to wear masks when outside their homes, businesses implementing the one person per four square metre rule and not allowing anyone to drink while standing.

Anthony Vecchio, the owner of Station 4 Cafe & Bar, said the restrictions came as a surprise and forced some panicked preparations.

"We didn't expect it at all and we suddenly had to make drastic changes around the restaurant," Mr Vecchio said.

"I was on the phone for quite a while on the Saturday with Service NSW to figure out exactly what we had to abide by.

"I think we needed more time but I don't make the rules."

The situation was similar down the road at The Gem Hotel, where manager Celinea Reedy spent the two hours before the rules were imposed getting the bar ready.

"Once we figured out which rules applied to us, we ran out and got 200 face masks for here and then another 100 for The Area Hotel," Ms Reedy said.

"We made sure all the staff were prepared to wear masks and to enforce the mask-wearing with our patrons."

Despite the prepping, Ms Reedy admitted enforcing the rules that night was somewhat difficult.

"Saturday night was definitely tricky, because obviously people had no real notice and we had the police walk through about four times to really enforce it. But people were just unaware, now they should all know," she said.

"We've been very lucky in that we haven't really been affected by COVID in Griffith, so it was a bit of a shock to see all regional areas had to follow these restrictions regardless of whether they had any cases or not - but it is what it is."

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Under the rules, gatherings are limited to one person per four square metres, both indoors and outdoors.

Dancing is banned at all pubs and clubs, and singing is also prohibited inside of buildings as well as churches. Patrons must sit down while at venues.

Home visits are capped at five guests per household, including children.

Residents returning to Griffith must self-isolate for 14 days if they were in Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong or Shellharbour on or after June 21.

Self-isolating individuals can only leave their homes for essential trips, such as grocery shopping, doctors appointments, and emergency situations.

All people must wear a face mask while outside their home unless they are under the age of 12, eating or drinking, or have an underlying health condition.

A list of the government's COVID rules can be found on their website: nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules

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