Aged care facilities should implement the following measures for restricting visits and visitors to reduce the risk of transmission to residents, including:
• Limiting visits to a short duration;
• Limiting visits to a maximum of two immediate social supports (family members, close friends) or professional service or advocacy at one time, per day;
• Visits should be conducted in a resident’s room, outdoors, or in a specific area designated by the aged care facility, rather than communal areas where the risk of transmission to residents is greater;
• No large group visits or gatherings, including social activities or entertainment, should be permitted at this time;
• No school groups of any size should be allowed to visit aged care facilities.
• Visitors should also be encouraged to practise social distancing practices where possible, including maintaining a distance of 1.5 metres.
• Children aged 16 years or less must be permitted only by exception, as they are generally unable to comply with hygiene measures. Exemptions can be assessed on a case-by-case basis, for example, where the resident is in a palliative care scenario.
• Measures such as phone or video calls must be accessible to all residents to enable more regular communication with family members. Family and friends should be encouraged to maintain contact with residents by phone and other social communication apps, as appropriate.
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