A restriction has been placed on facilities to limit visitors numbers to reduce the potential impact of coronavirus on the elderly and vulnerable members of the community.
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The Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) said in a statement on Thursday they will be restricting visitors to a limit of one visitor per patient at any given time.
MLHD's executive director of medical services Dr Lenert Bruce said the move was to protect the health of the region's vulnerable residents.
"We are appealing to members of the public to stay away from hospitals and aged care facilities if they feel unwell, or have symptoms of cold and flu," Dr Bruce said.
"We can all play a part in slowing the spread of the virus by reducing contact between people unless absolutely necessary, especially those in our population who may be more vulnerable or susceptible to the illness because of age or weakened immunity."
Visitors to hospitals within the region are also being advised not to bring children under 12 years of age to the hospital.
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The city's aged care facilities have also had to adapt and implement new restrictions handed down by the federal government on Wednesday to protect those living in aged care.
Under the restrictions, visitors and staff will not be permitted to enter an aged care facility if they have returned from overseas or been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the last 14 days.
Those with a fever or symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, runny nose or shortness of breath will also not be permitted entry.
After May 1, those who have not been vaccinated against influenza will also not be allowed to enter aged care facilities.
A spokeswoman for Griffith's Pioneer Lodge said the facility "endorses the recommendations" handed down by the federal government and the facility has implemented the recommendations.
Those who do not work at aged care facilities have also been placed under tighter restrictions, with children under the age of 16 permitted 'only by exception'.
School groups or large group gatherings have been banned, with visits limited to a maximum of two people at any one time and each resident is permitted only one visit per day - with visits to occur either in a resident's room, outdoors or in a specified area set aside by the facility.
Bupa's managing director of aged care Suzanne Dvorak said in a statement limits have been placed on all visits to the company's aged care facilities - which includes the location in Griffith.
"We're asking everyone to consider whether their visit is essential and postpone it if possible," Ms Dvorak said.
"Minimising the number of visitors is the best way to reduce the risk of infection.
"We continue to work with the government health authorities to ensure we are doing everything possible to prevent infections."
Visits to Bupa facilities will only take place between 2pm and 5pm each day, with visitors required to book ahead and wear provided gloves and mask as well as submit to a temperature check, with visits only done in a resident's room for a maximum of 30 minutes.
Those under the age of 18 are banned from visiting.
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