RESTRICTIONS on visitors have been tightened at hospitals and multi purpose services across the region in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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There are currently 42 people in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) with coronavirus, a number which has remained steady since April 4.
One person has died from the virus in this health district and five people have recovered.
Under tighter controls, visitors to acute care patients in hospitals in the MLHD will be restricted to less than 60 minutes during dedicated hours, and limited to one visitor per patient.
Special consideration will be made for children, maternity patients and critically ill patients.
Visitors must be older than 16 years and will also need to complete a COVID-19 visitor assessment form.
From Wednesday, people will be asked not to visit residents in any aged care facility in the MLHD.
"In the interests of the safety of our patients, residents and staff we have made the necessary decision to restrict visitor access to our health care facilities for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic," chief executive Jill Ludford said.
"Residents with special needs or who are palliative may be able to have one consistent visitor for short periods per day. This will be considered by the facility manager and visitors must meet screening requirements."
Ms Ludford said families and carers are encouraged to connect with residents through phone, post, email, FaceTime, WhatsApp or Skype.
"We ask for our communities understanding and cooperation during this time," she said.
COVID-19 symptoms
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, sore throat and dry cough.
Symptoms will generally appear three to four days after exposure to the virus but can be up to 14 days later.
Members of the public are advised to minimise travel, increase personal awareness around hand hygiene and practice social distancing.
Do you need to be screened?
Anyone who believes they have may have contracted the COVID-19 virus (ie: who have come in contact with a confirmed case or are showing symptoms: fever, sore throat, dry cough and shortness of breath) are advised in the first instance to:
- Call the coronavirus hotline 1800 022 222 and receive advise on the best course of action depending on your symptoms and risks. Medical staff will direct people to the nearest hospital or respiratory clinic, or advise them to stay home and self-monitor, or contact their GP, or
- Contact your GP to arrange an appointment (let GP practice know in advance if you have symptoms), or
- Call the Murrumbidgee COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 831 099 for assessment (7am - 11pm)
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Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
