22.12.2020 NNSW Local Health District Media Release:
From today, visitors from certain NSW Local Government Areas (LGAs) will not be able to enter hospitals and health facilities in Northern NSW Local Health District.
At present, the affected areas are the Greater Sydney area and the Central Coast LGA, Wollongong LGA, and Blue Mountains LGA.
Visiting Hours and numbers are again being reduced to one visitor for one hour, once a day between the hours of 1pm – 6pm. There are no changes to maternity services at this stage.
Additional restrictions also apply to residential aged care facilities located at the four Multi-Purpose Services in Nimbin, Kyogle, Urbenville and Bonalbo.
No visitors will be allowed at these facilities, unless there are exceptional circumstances such as for palliative care.
“These are difficult, but necessary decisions that we are taking for the safety of our patients and our health facilities,” Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Wayne Jones, said.
“We are in contact with the families and loved ones of residents in our facilities and will continue to monitor the situation closely in the lead up to Christmas.”
To further reduce risk in all health settings, all health workers in hospitals and community health settings should wear a mask if within 1.5 metres of patients, and patients are also required to wear a mask where possible.
Visitors will continue to be required to wear masks, and health screening is still in place at all NNSWLHD facilities, as part of the measures to reduce any risk of transmission and keep patients safe.
Anyone entering a facility will have their temperature checked and be asked a series of questions to determine they are well and have not visited any COVID hotspots in the past 14 days.
There are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. To find your nearest clinic click here or contact your GP.
Mid North Coast Local Health District has restricted access to hospitals and health care facilities where vulnerable patients receive care. This is to help protect elderly people, those with chronic medical conditions or those with low immunity from the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Visitor Restrictions
Patients can only be visited by two visitors per patient at a time.
Visitor Screening
All visitors to our hospitals and health care facilities will be screened before entry. You will be asked COVID-19 related questions and your temperature will be taken.
You must not enter any hospital or health care facility if you:
- are awaiting a coronavirus (COVID-19) test result
- are unwell with symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), such as a cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, or fever
- arrived in Australia within the last 14 days
- have been diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19) and have not yet been given clearance from self-isolation
- have had known contact in the past 14 days with a person who was a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19).
For more information and to stay up to date please see the Mid North Coast LHD website.
Healthy North Coast Support
During the holiday period, Healthy North Coast will have rostered staff available to support our clinicians and communities. You can reach us via email at [email protected]