Canberrans in hospital can now receive more visitors following the easing of visitor access restrictions across the Territory this week.
In a statement, the Clinical Director for the ACT COVID-19 response, Imogen Mitchell said the eased restrictions would allow two visitors per patient, per day at health facility sites. Up until now it had been one visitor per patient.
“The two visitors can see a patient at the same time, or separately, during visiting hours,” Professor Mitchell said.
“Visitor restrictions have allowed health facilities to continue to manage the risk of COVID-19, and to make sure they are protecting staff, patients, and the broader community,” she said.
“Exemptions to the visitor policy on compassionate grounds will continue to be determined on a case by case basis, however each case must be discussed in consultation with the relevant clinical staff. “
Professor Mitchell said health services were asking visitors not to bring children (aged under 17 years) with them to health facilities wherever possible.
She said it was always a difficult decision to restrict visitors to health services.
“We know how hard it has been for Canberrans affected by the restrictions, and we thank the community for their continued support as we seek to protect the health and safety of our staff, patients and their families,” Professor Mitchell said.
“Health screening at health facilities is the frontline of the ACT’s defence against COVID-19, and this will continue.”
Professor Mitchell said visitors or outpatients who choose not to participate in health screening measures could be refused entry.
She said the situation was evolving quickly, and arrangements may change at short notice as the Territory’s response to the pandemic progressed.
