Public and private hospitals in Wagga have announced changes to their visiting policies, in the hopes of slowing the spread of a potential COVID-19 outbreak.
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Calvary Riverina Hospital, Robin Haberecht, has said that visitor traffic will be monitored closely over the coming weeks.
"Our patients and staff are our top priority, and as such we have made some changes to visitor access to Calvary Riverina Hospital," Mr Haberecht said.
"Entry is now restricted to the main entrance to help manage infection control as we continue to care for our patients while slowing the spread of COVID-19."
Ms Haberecht's statement follows rumours that the hospital was closing to visitors, when in fact, it will only be closing one entrance to funnel visitors through its main doors on Hardy Avenue.
Wagga Base Hospital executive director of medical services, Dr Lenert Bruce, has also revealed new strategies will be adopted to keep visitors and patients safe from a potential outbreak.
"To protect the health of our vulnerable and elderly residents, we are appealing to members of the public to stay away from hospitals and aged care facilities if they feel unwell, or have symptoms of cold and flu," Dr Bruce said.
Dr Bruce has also asked that visits be postponed unless unavoidable at the moment.
As COVID-19 is known to be more severe when contracted by the elderly or ill, while young people may not exhibit symptoms as obviously, Dr Bruce has also requested that visitors younger than 12 not be brought to the hospital.
"We can all play a part in slowing the spread of the virus by reducing contact between people unless absolutely necessary, especially those in our population who may be more vulnerable or susceptible to the illness because of age or weakened immunity," he said.