Patients at ACT hospitals will face new restrictions on the number of visitors they're allowed, as part of new measures to stop the spread of coronavirus.
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ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said patients will be limited to one person per day under the new rules.
The restrictions, which come into effect from Thursday, will apply to all patients at Canberra Hospital, Calvary Hospital and the University of Canberra Hospital.
Private hospitals, including the National Capital Hospital, are also introducing restrictions on visitor numbers.
Those who have appointments at outpatient clinics have been told not to bring anyone with them unless absolutely necessary.
Those who do bring people along with them to appointments have been told to limit it to one person.
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Ms Stephen-Smith said the measures were a necessary precaution to protect patients and hospital staff,
"Decisions like this are not taken lightly," she said.
"I hope all Canberrans can understand that this decision has been made to ensure the safety of staff and patients across our health system.
"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."
Children who are well will still be able to visit a parent or sibling accompanied by an adult."
As of Thursday, there are three confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the ACT.
More than 1500 people have tested negative for the virus.
Six people have died from coronavirus in Australia.
Canberra Health Services senior specialist for infectious diseases, Dr Sanjaya Senanayake, said the measures aimed at reducing potential coronavirus cases.
"By restricting visitors to our hospital campus, we are trying to reduce the spread of COVID-19 among staff, patients, their friends and relatives, thereby protecting people within our hospitals and in the wider community," Dr Senanayake said.
Canberra Health Services said it would be reviewing the measures in coming days.
A spokeswoman said further restrictions could be imposed if required.
The restrictions came as Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Wednesday new limits on visitors to aged-care facilities across the country.
Visitors will be limited to two people at a time and would be restricted to resident's rooms or outdoors.
A ban on non-essential gatherings indoors of more than 100 people has also been announced.
"Life is changing in Australia as it is changing all around the world," Mr Morrison said.
Ms Stephen-Smith said social distancing measures will continue to be enforced across the ACT.
"Our top priority is reducing the potential spread of COVID-19 in the ACT," she said.
"We need to ensure that those who are sick are not put further at risk."
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
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