Coronavirus: Canberra hospital visitor restrictions eased

Strict visitors limits were put in place across Canberra's hospitals as coronavirus fears escalated.

They meant pregnant women who wanted their partner present for the birth were not able to have an extra support person, including doulas or family members.

As of Thursday, restrictions will ease to allow mothers two support people during birth.

Patients at Canberra Hospital will also be able to have two visitors per day, instead of just one. However they must not visit at the same time.

For children, one parent or carer can now be present at all times, with an additional visitor welcome to join them for up to one hour each day.

As visitors enter health facilities they will continue to be asked a series of screening questions and they will be asked to use the hand sanitiser.

Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said restrictions had been important in ensuring the health and safety of staff and patients.

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"We know this has been a difficult time for patients who want to be with their family and loved ones during their stay at hospital and I thank the community for their patience and understanding during this challenging period," she said.

"The careful ongoing management of visitor access to Canberra's health facilities ensures staff, patients and the broader community are protected from the potential transmission of COVID-19."