Senior Australians in residential aged care will have greater access to visitors and reduced lockdowns under new visitation guidelines response to the pandemic.

The Australian Government recognises the serious impact of social isolation on residents due to the strict requirements to manage the risk of COVID-19.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt and Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck welcomed the new advice, which has been endorsed by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and National Cabinet.

“The new advice will enable aged care providers to take a more flexible approach to visitation, and a more proportionate approach to locking down of facilities following an exposure or in the event of an outbreak,” Minister Hunt said.

Read more:

New visitation guidelines for aged care residents

Interim Guidance on managing public health restrictions on residential aged care facilities (.pdf)

Interim Guidance on managing workforce in regards to COVID-19 in aged care (.pdf)

COVID-19 in Residential Aged Care Facilities: Managing your workforce affected by Omicron (.pdf)