The ACT health system is putting in place new measures to help slow the spread of COVID‑19 in our community.
From today, Canberra's public health services are introducing visitor restrictions at key sites, including Canberra Hospital, University of Canberra Hospital and Calvary Public Hospital.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said these changes will help to keep patients and staff safe.
"We've all heard the messages about social distancing and protecting those in our community who are most likely to become seriously ill with COVID‑19.
"Our top priority is reducing the potential spread of COVID-19 in the ACT. We need to ensure that those who are sick are not put at further risk. We also need to keep our health services staff safe and well so they can continue to provide healthcare to our community.
"Every single one of us has a role to play in this. If you are unwell, please do not visit our hospitals. We are also asking patients to limit visitors to one person per day.
"If you have an appointment at an outpatient clinic, please do not bring anyone unless absolutely necessary and if this is the case please limit it to one person.
"This is a difficult ask. We know that patients need the love and support of family and friends when undergoing treatment or in a hospital, and this policy will be applied with compassion and common sense. For example, children who are well will still be able to visit a parent or sibling accompanied by an adult.
"Decisions like this are not taken lightly. I hope all Canberrans can understand that this decision has been made to ensure the safety of staff and patients across our health system," said Minister Stephen-Smith.
Dr Sanjaya Senanayake, CHS Senior Specialist Infectious Diseases said, "by restricting visitors to our hospital campus, we are trying to reduce the spread of COVID-19 amongst staff, patients, their friends and relatives, thereby protecting the people within our hospitals and in the wider community."
The changes will be across all Canberra Health Services (CHS) campuses, including Canberra Hospital and University of Canberra Hospital (UCH) and Community Health Centres, as well as Calvary Public Hospital.
Private hospitals including National Capital Private Hospital are also introducing restrictions.
The services will be reviewing these changes in coming days with the view to implementing more restrictions should they be required to keep patients and staff safe.
