Visitors to Victorian aged care facilities will be heavily restricted from today, in line with new measures announced by the government to control the spread of COVID-19 across the state.
From today, visitation will be limited to those defined as carers only, with a limit of one hour per day.
“We know this will be difficult for Victorian families, but ultimately this is about keeping the people we love safe,” said Minister for Health, Jenny Mikakos.
The government has also announced that staff testing blitzes of aged care staff are underway, with staff now able to access free testing with or without COVID-like symptoms.
“The Government will work closely with hospitals and care providers to ensure these changes are made in a careful and sensitive way to support the needs of patients and residents,” said Premier Daniel Andrews.
The state government’s one-off $1500 worker support payment is still available to support Victorian aged care workers who have been instructed to stay home because they’ve had a positive test or need to self-isolate as a close contact.
“As always, the Government will continue to monitor data over the next fortnight. Compliance – and the rate of community transmission – will decide what we do next, and whether we move to Stage 4 restrictions,” Mr Andrews said.
For information about coronavirus or to find your nearest testing site, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au or call 1800 675 398.
