Restrictions on visiting hours at Western Australian hospitals will be partially eased from Tuesday (June 2, 2020) and the number of people permitted to visit will increase to two people at one time.
This gradual easing of visitor restrictions reflects the significant progress made by WA and the McGowan Government in slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Children will also be able to return as visitors and maternity patients can now be accompanied by two birthing partners.
To ensure the safety of staff and patients, physical distancing throughout all locations remains critically important and visitors should continue to practice good personal hygiene.
The gradual easing will commence on Tuesday June 2 to give all hospitals time to prepare and ensure everyone is informed of the changes and new protocols in place.
As always, people should not visit patients in hospitals if they are unwell and the guidelines still stipulate that visitors should not enter a hospital if they:
- have tested positive for COVID-19;
- have a fever or a cold or a flu-like illness, including symptoms such as, sore throat, cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing;
- have travelled outside Australia and are therefore required to self-isolate for 14 days; or
- have been in contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus and are therefore required to self-isolate for 14 days
To ensure all of our patients can continue to remain socially connected during COVID-19, health staff will be available to discuss alternative means of communication for people who would otherwise visit patients, such as virtual communications including phone, and video-communication.
Visitor restrictions to confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients remain in place at all public hospitals.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"This partial easing of visitor restrictions is a really positive step in Western Australia's journey to recovery from COVID-19.
"Connection with family and loved ones during time of illness is so important and we want to make sure that we are doing everything we can to ensure that patients have the support they need whilst in hospital.
"I'd like to thank all the patients, families and staff who have been impacted by the original raft of COVID-19 visitor restrictions. Your invaluable support in helping us control the virus means we can now gradually ease restrictions at all our public hospitals.
"As always, we must strongly emphasise that physical distancing and good hand hygiene remains paramount."
