Along with two new reported cases of Covid-19 in the Northern NSW Local Health District, new visitor restrictions have been implemented in all hospitals from tomorrow.

The total number of infections in our district is now 44, with 5 reported in the Lismore Local Government Area.

NNSWLHD chief executive Wayne Jones said from Friday, April 3, there will be a limit of one visitor per patient in all hospitals, and visiting hours have been restricted to 1- 6pm daily.

“The visitor is to be identified by the patient in consultation with their family or carer,” Mr Jones said. “Visits will occur in the patient’s room, and will be limited to one hour only, once per day.”

Mr Jones said visitors entering a hospital will be asked the following questions:

Have you returned from overseas in the past 14 days? 

Have you had close contact with a person confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19?

Are you feeling unwell with any flu-like symptoms?

“Anyone answering yes to any of these questions will not be permitted to enter,” he said.

“A patient’s designated visitor will be provided with detailed information regarding social distancing and must adhere to all personal protective and hand hygiene requirements already in place when on site.”

 The current restrictions in Maternity/Women’s Care Units and Birthing Suites remain at one support person per birth, with no other visitors while in hospital.

“NSW Health supports the World Health Organisation and Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) recommendations that one chosen support person should accompany a woman giving birth,” Mr Jones said.

“Multi-Purpose Services have their own restrictions which are one designated visitor once per day for 15 minutes.

“We accept that these measures may cause concern for some patients and community members, but the restrictions are in place to protect our hospital system, our patients, our staff and the wider community, especially those in vulnerable age groups.

“Visitors, carers and family members should speak with the nurse in charge about any extenuating circumstances.”

Mr Jones also said regarding the confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the local district that two patients being cared for in our hospitals. 

“The Public Health Unit is following up close contacts of cases who are located within NNSWLHD, who are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days from last contact with the confirmed case,” he said.

For advice and information about COVID-19 visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx 

Residents of NSW can also call new the 24-hour COVID-19 hotline on 13 77 88 for advice and support on non-health related enquiries. 

For health related advice, please continue to liaise with your GP, or phone HealthDirect on 1800 022 222. 

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