Man charged over NSW mask refusal melee

A man has been charged after fighting with police at a Sydney metro station over what he allegedly considered his "human right" to eschew mask use.

The 72-year-old man was pulled up by police on Tuesday evening near Castle Hill Metro Station for not wearing a mask.

He allegedly became aggressive towards the two female officers, claimed his human rights were being violated and punched one officer several times.

The man was taken to Castle Hill Police Station and charged with failing to wear a mask, assaulting a police officer and intimidating police.

He was refused bail to appear in Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Wednesday said mask usage in cramped indoor spaces such as on public transport in Sydney is likely to stay, even after restrictions on gatherings and functions are eased.

This would help protect the city's residents from COVID-19 transmission.