NSW lifts COVID-19 vaccine mandate for aged care
NSW has become the latest state to lift COVID-19 vaccination restrictions for aged care home visitors, joining Victoria and Queensland.
Unvaccinated visitors will now be allowed, though are still “strongly encouraged” to have received jabs for both COVID and the seasonal flu; visitors should also provide evidence of a negative rapid antigen test just before entry.
“The recommended limit for visitors is two adults and two children per resident within a 24-hour period. Operators of residential aged care facilities may increase the number of visitors for a resident depending on their circumstances,” said NSW Health.
Individual aged care homes may increase this limit under circumstances such as for special occasions such as birthdays; visitors who have travelled long distances; visitors who have not seen residents in a long time; and visitors to end-of-life residents.
NSW Health still recommends that visits be held away from other residents – either outdoors or in well-ventilated areas – and all visitors over age 12 are still required to wear masks indoors.
