Visitor restrictions return for GSHS

GIPPSLAND Southern Health Service (GSHS) has reintroduced visitor restrictions in response to escalating COVID-19 numbers.

This is due to 70 cases being recorded in the South Gippsland region, which has been increasing in recent weeks. 

According to GSHS, a COVID-19 case was detected through routine testing in the GSHS general ward this week. 

The patient was asymptomatic.

All visitors will require Nurse Unit Manager approval prior to entry. 

At this stage, visits are restricted to end-of-life care and in cases of severe emotional needs. People visiting GSHS and its aged care centres will be required to undergo a RAT test and be asymptomatic.
Some outpatient appointments and surgery may need to be changed because of the outbreak.

Patients will be contacted but the service urged people to check the GSHS website https://www.gshs.com.au/visiting-hours for the latest information about restrictions and changes to services.

The hospital said it was not known how long the restrictions would apply but GSHS aimed to return to normal visiting hours as soon as safely possible.
All visitors to GSHS are required to wear a mask.