Hospital patients and people in aged care facilities will only be able to host one visitor at a time under a host of new restrictions coming into force across the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD).
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From Monday July 27, a new policy for all hospitals, aged care facilities and multipurpose services in the MLHD will see just one visitor per patient or resident allowed at any time, with visits restricted to an hour.
All visitors will need to be over the age of 16 and will be required to wear a mask on entry to any facility as well as completing a COVID-19 visitor assessment.
MLHD COVID-19 emergency operations incident controller Carla Bailey said the restrictions were aimed at balancing patient safety with the need to have access to loved ones.
She said children, maternity patients and those who were critically ill would be given special consideration.
"Women receiving obstetric care are able to be supported by up to two people for unrestricted periods," she said.
"Children in hospital are able to be supported by up to two people, either their parents or carers at any time."
Ms Bailey said families of patients nearing the end of their lives could speak to their local hospital manager or nurse in charge of family visits to make arrangements.
She reiterated the importance of each individual practising good hygiene and monitoring for symptoms to keep vulnerable people in health facilities safe.
"We also ask people not to visit loved ones if they are feeling unwell, or have cold or flu like symptoms," she said.
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