Murrumbidgee Local Health District announced this restriction would be enforced at each of its medical facilities, in the wake of a second wave of positive COVID-19 tests in the city.
Additional screening requirements for visitors will also now be put in place across all MLHD facilities to assist with protecting vulnerable patients.
The screening also applies to staff, who will be required to be symptom-free for 14 days before returning to work if they have travelled to Melbourne.
‘‘Anyone who has come from Melbourne, including New South Wales residents, should not attend aged care facilities, hospitals or other settings with vulnerable people for a period of 14 days,’’ MLHD CEO Jill Ludford said.
‘‘Anyone who has returned from Melbourne and has even the mildest symptoms should seek testing for COVID-19.
‘‘After the great work that Murrumbidgee residents have done to limit the transmission of the virus, it is critical that we take these precautionary steps to keep our patients safe.’’
The restrictions relate to visitors to facilities only.
Those requiring emergency medical attention will not be turned away.
‘‘Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, MLHD has put in place procedures to enable staff to safely triage and treat patients presenting to emergency who may have come in contact with the COVID-19 virus,’’ a spokesperson said.
Anyone who feels unwell is invited to call the Murrumbidgee COVID hotline on 1800 831 099 to arrange an appointment at their nearest testing centre, whether that be a clinic or a GP practice.
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