COVID-19 visitor restrictions at hospitals and health facilities in the ACT have eased overnight.
Patients will now again be able to welcome up to two visitors per day but only one at a time.
For kids, two parents of carers can visit at the same time but only one can stay overnight.
Women admitted for care related to birthing can have two support people however, only one can attend the operating theatre for caesarean section.
Patients who need assistance to access hospital care can continue to be supported by their carer.
ACT Health ‘strongly’ recommends visitors be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Under the changes, those who are permitted to visit still required to follow the following rules:
- complete the ACT health facilities digital screening tool (screening.covid19.act.gov.au)
- wear a surgical face mask at all times while in the health facility, unless directed by the clinical area to wear a hospital-approved N95 mask.
The changes come after a ban on visitors was applied in the ACT just after Christmas.
In a statement, health authorities said the decision to restrict visitors is always a difficult one but is designed to ensures the protection of patients, staff and their loved ones.
‘Canberra Health Services regularly review the need to restrict the number of people on our sites and will make further changes once it is safe to do so.’
Compassionate exceptions to the new visiting rules will continue to be determined on a case-by-case basis and in consultation with the treating team.
Listen to the latest news below:
