The health, safety and wellbeing of Tasmanians is the Government’s number one priority as we continue to deal with COVID-19.
I am pleased to announce that next week we will begin relaxing some hospital visitation restrictions.
From Monday, visits will now be able to occur between 2pm and 6pm, with a maximum of one visitor per patient at a time for most areas.
To ensure staff and patient safety, visitors must complete the visitor screening tool on arrival, and importantly there will be assistance with these processes available for visitors who need it.
Tasmanians must not visit a hospital, outpatient department or clinic if they have any symptoms. These include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, gastrointestinal symptoms.
People should also not visit our hospitals if they have been advised to self-isolate.
There will continue to be exemptions allowable for certain circumstances on compassionate grounds. If Tasmanians wish to request an exemption, they should contact the facility they wish to visit and ask to speak with the Nurse Unit Manager or Associate NUM.
We know that COVID-19 restrictions have been really hard at times, especially when it comes to visiting loved ones in hospitals, but the Tasmanian community has done a remarkable job so far and we thank them for their efforts.
We will continue to do whatever we can to keep Tasmanians safe.
Full list of restrictions on hospital visitation from Monday:
Area / Ward | Number of visitors |
Outpatient clinics and community centres | Support person only |
Department of Critical Care Medicine | Two visitors will be allowed at any one time |
Emergency Department | One visitor per patient |
Neonatal Intensive Care | Parents / Carers have unrestricted visiting with a maximum of two people visiting. Compassionate situation – exemptions may be applied for siblings. |
Paediatric Unit | Parents / Carers have unrestricted visiting with a maximum of two people visiting. |
Maternity Unit | One Support person during labour and birth |
Operating Theatre and Recovery Room | Visitors not routinely allowed. Parents may visit children post-surgery |
Short Stay Surgical Unit | One support person permitted |
Palliative Care | Two visitors at any one time – exemptions may apply during the terminal phase of care |