FROM 5pm there will be restrictions in place for people wanting to visit aged care facilities, said Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith in a statement today (March 23). 

She said the restrictions will come in line with the national cabinet, and will not effect employees, contractors, service providers, and emergency responders. These people will still be able to visit and work in residential aged care, she said.

“Visitors will be restricted to care and support visits that are limited to one visit per day of no longer than two hours made to the resident by one person, or two persons together,” she said.

People under the age of 16 will not be able to visit, according to Minister Stephen-Smith, who said they can only visit for compassionate reasons for the purposes of anyone who is at end of life.

People who are unwell with a fever or people who have arrived in Australia within 14 days, or people who have come in contact with someone who has the coronavirus are also not allowed to visit, she said.

She said people who do not have an up-to-date influenza shot, when they are available, will also not be allowed to visit.

Ms Stephen-Smith said the restrictions have been put in place to avoid any outbreak in an aged care facility, which could be “catastrophic”.