Two parents or carers of paediatric patients in the MLHD's health care facilities will be permitted to visit a child in hospital instead of a single parent or carer.

The region's public aged care facilities will now support residents to have two visitors each day who are aged 16 or older.

Since late July, aged care residents have only been allowed one visitor for one hour to help protect the region's elderly who are at a greater risk of falling seriously ill with COVID-19.

From September 30, visitors will need to complete a COVID-19 Visitor Assessment form and a temperature check.

They will also be required to wear a mask before entering the facility.

Visitors will be encouraged to visit aged care residents in their own rooms, or in a designated visiting space which will be cleaned between visits to minimise contact.

Residents may also go for a drive with their family visitor but at this stage are not encouraged to leave the vehicle to visit a business or someones home.

Clergy will be now supported to conduct religious services in small groups maintaining screening processes including temperature checking, mandatory flu vaccination, physical distancing and hand hygiene.

The MLHD says it is considering allowing aged care visits from people under the age of 16 in the next stage of easing restrictions.

All visitors to other MLHD health care facilities will continue being screened and temperature checked upon entry.

Physical distancing and hand hygiene remain the primary tool to combat the transmission of COVID-19.

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